HC Deb 14 March 1955 vol 538 cc938-9
33. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the authorities responsible for enforcing the provisions of the 1951 United Nations Resolution placing an embargo on the supply of strategic materials to the People's Republic of China.

Mr. Turton

There is no international machinery for enforcing the provisions of the United Nations embargo. Member states of the Consultative Group attempt to co-ordinate their compliance with the Resolution by means of recommendations. The administrative arrangement for carrying out the controls varies in individual countries.

Mr. Henderson

In view of the concern which has been expressed by the State Department in Washington over the carrying of a cargo of fuel oil by the Finnish ship "Aruba" from a Rumanian to a Chinese port and the possibility of action being taken to intercept it by the Seventh Fleet, may I ask whether it remains the view of the Government that the conditions which led to the passing of the 1951 Resolution still exist? If not, is it not time that the terms of the Resolution were reviewed by the General Assembly?

Mr. Turton

The right hon. and learned Member must recollect that Finland is neither a member of the United Nations nor of the Consultative Group.

Mr. Henderson

Does that mean that as Finland is not bound by the terms of the Resolution no action will be taken by any member of the United Nations to intercept the ship?

Mr. Turton

If the right hon. and learned Member refers to my original answer, he will see that I have covered that particular supplementary question.