HC Deb 25 July 1955 vol 544 cc820-1
43. Mr. Zilliacus

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will seek an agreed solution of the German problem at the Four-Power talks through the admission of Germany and all ex-enemy European States to the United Nations, implementing the provisions of Articles 52 and 53 of the Charter relating to the maintenance of international peace and security, and making the fullest use of the Economic Committee for Europe of the United Nations to promote intra-European trade and economic development.

Mr. Nutting

As the hon. Member is aware, the problems of Germany and of European security have been discussed at Geneva and referred for further study to the four Foreign Ministers.

Mr. Zilliacus

Is the Minister aware that in the discussions at Geneva and in the directive to the Foreign Ministers, apart from the reference of disarmament questions to the sub-committee of the United Nations, no attempt whatever was made to use the machinery or obligations of the United Nations Charter in order to solve these issues? Would not the deadlock be broken were the Government to make a serious attempt to find a solution based on implementing the relevant obligations of the Charter?

Mr. Nutting

Everything done by Her Majesty's Government in the field of foreign affairs is in full accordance with their obligations under the United Nations Charter. I do not think it lies in the mouth of the hon. Gentleman to say that at Geneva an attempt was not made to settle the German problem. It is the cardinal question in the division of Europe and hence of the world today.