§ 16. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how the United Kingdom delegate to the Second Committee of the United Nations, on Thursday, 24th October, 1957, voted upon the Draft Resolution that the General Assembly would recommend that, for the purpose of giving aid to the countries and territories of Africa, and in accordance with Article 68 of the Charter, the Economic and Social Council, at its next session, give prompt and favourable consideration to the establishment of an Economic Commission for Africa.
§ Commander NobleThe United Kingdom representative abstained in Committee because Her Majesty's Government needed time to consider whether the Resolution might commit the Economic and Social Council to certain action and thus infringe their freedom of decision. In the light of the views expressed during the debate, Her Majesty's Government were able to cast a favourable vote in Plenary, as the House was informed on 16th December.
§ Mr. JohnsonWhile welcoming this answer, may I ask the Minister of State whether he can confirm that the voting was 70–0 and that the only nations voting against the Resolution or abstaining were ourselves and Belgium, which caused a bad impression at the time? Would it not be a very good thing if we changed our minds about this and supported the Resolution wholeheartedly in the Council?
§ Commander NobleIt is quite normal United Nations procedure for a delegate to explain his vote, and the United Kingdom delegate on that occasion explained why he abstained. I think it was quite understood by the members of the United Nations. May I say how glad I was to see the hon. Member present on that occasion.