§ 20. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to make a statement the latest report on the creation of a special United Nations Fund for Economic Development.
§ 21. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now able to make a statement as to the contribution Her Majesty's Government are prepared to make toward the establishment of the Special United Nations Fund for Economic Development.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Lord John Hope)Her Majesty's Government's attitude towards the principle of the fund remains as stated in my reply to the right hon. and learned Gentleman on 13th June. It would not be appropriate to reach final conclusions on the detailed structure of a fund when the conditions for its establishment do not yet exist; nor can I indicate the amount Her Majesty's Government would be prepared to contribute in hypothetical circumstances.
§ Mr. HendersonMay I ask whether the Government are now prepared to support the establishment of this fund, provided that other countries make their contribution, without waiting for the achievement of an agreement on world disarmament? Is that still the position?
§ Lord John HopeThe position is that we stand by the Resolution passed by the General Assembly on 7th December, 1953, which specifically laid down progress in disarmament as a condition for supporting the fund. That is our position and we stand by it.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopIs the Minister not aware that that will be widely regarded as pouring cold water on the scheme? May not this country give some effective leadership at this time, and before the Geneva Conference takes place, so that our position may be known throughout the world as one of supporting the scheme irrespective of decisions on disarmament?
§ Lord John HopeIt is not reasonable to describe adherence to a United Nations Resolution as pouring cold water on anything.