§ 3. Mr. Zilliacusasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give an assurance that it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to interpret the treaty obligations of the Western European Union consistently with the Charter of the United Nations.
§ Mr. NuttingYes, Sir.
§ Mr. ZilliacusIs the Minister of State aware that the military obligations of the Western European Union conflict with those of Article 53 of the Charter, which declares that no enforcement action defined as action with respect to threats and breaches of the peace and acts of aggression may be taken under a regional arrangement or by a regional agency for the maintenance of international peace and security without the authorisation of the Security Council? Is the Minister further aware that under Article 103 of the Charter obligations that conflict with those of the Charter cannot be invoked when the occasion arises?
§ Mr. NuttingI am aware of Article 53 and of Article 103, but I am also aware of Article 51 of the Charter, which says:
Nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs against a member of the United Nations.