§ 42. Mr. Zilliacusasked the Prime Minister to what extent his declaration on 20th August, 1951, to the effect that there 749 was no alternative to the rule of law and that the United Nations was the only way and the world's last hope of peace still represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government.
§ The Prime MinisterIt remains the policy of Her Majesty's Government to build up the United Nations as a force for peace and as an effective instrument for the enforcement of the rule of law. It is their hope that the present Middle East crisis will result in a stronger United Nations capable of enforcing the resolutions which it adopts.
§ Mr. ZilliacusDoes the Prime Minister's reply mean that he believes that he is strengthening the United Nations in the rule of law by committing aggression in violation of the Charter?
§ The Prime MinisterIf the hon. Member looks at the Charter, he will find that there were always intended to be provisions to make decisions of the United Nations militarily effective. If what we have done results in that, it will be a gain to the whole world.
§ Mr. GaitskellWhat part of the Charter provides that nations shall decide on their own whether they make anything effective? Is it not clear that the whole essence of the Charter is that we accept collective decisions made by the United Nations?
§ The Prime MinisterEqually certain is the opinion of this nation that if we had waited until the United Nations acted, the fire would not have been put out.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonWill my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister inform hon. Members opposite whether there is any section of the Charter which says that great nations should do nothing while war spreads?