HC Deb 13 June 1955 vol 542 cc256-7
25. Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made in the setting up of the various organs of Western European Union; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. H. Macmillan

The Council of Western European Union held inaugural meetings in Paris last month at the Ministerial level and is now meeting regularly in London at the official level. Monsieur Goffin of Belgium has been appointed as Secretary-General. The Council has approved the appointments of Admiral Ferreri of Italy as Director of the Agency for the Control of Armaments and Monsieur Cristofini of France as Assistant Secretary-General for the Standing Armaments Committee. These officials are now preparing detailed plans for the organisation and staffing of these two bodies. The first meeting of the Western European Union Assembly will take place in Strasbourg next month.

Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his chairmanship of this Council of Ministers has given great impetus to those in Europe who are keen on relaunching the European idea? In particular, is he aware that his chairmanship has given intense satisfaction among the Saarlanders who regard Western European Union as a prop for their independence?

28. Mr. Zilliacus

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action he has taken to register with the United Nations Organisation the conclusion of the Western European Union as a regional arrangement or agency within the terms of Article 52 of the United Nations Charter.

Lord John Hope

None, Sir. The Belgian Government, as the Power with whom the original signed instruments have been deposited, are no doubt making the necessary arrangements to register the Agreements in question with the United Nations Secretariat under Article 102 of the Charter.

Mr. Zilliacus

Is it the view of the Joint Under-Secretary that these are, in fact, regional agreements for the maintenance of international peace and security in the sense of Article 52 of the Charter?

Lord John Hope

No, Sir, it is not. We consider that the Paris Agreements do not come under that particular Article but are collective agreements coming under another Article.