HC Deb 07 February 1957 vol 564 c609
47. Mr. Zilliacus

asked the Prime Minister whether he will introduce a Bill for a Peace Act that would incorporate in the law of the land the obligations in the United Nations Charter to settle disputes with other States by peaceful means and refrain from resort to force, to submit to the Security Council any claim to be fighting in self-defence, and comply with its injunctions.

The Prime Minister

No, Sir.

Mr. Zilliacus

Does the Prime Minister not think that an act of this kind would serve on the one hand to make public opinion aware of the nature of our obligations as a member of the United Nations and anchor them in the consciousness of the people and, in the second place, give much-needed assurance to our allies and to world opinion in general that henceforward the policy of the Government will be based on loyalty to the Charter and that there will be no recurrence of recent deplorable attempts to gain our ends by committing aggression and violation of the Charter?

The Prime Minister

No, Sir. It is a long tradition of successive British Governments to maintain our international obligations. Her Majesty's Government hope that other Governments will maintain theirs.