HC Deb 12 June 1958 vol 589 cc381-2
1. Mr. F. M. Bennett

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he will instruct the United Kingdom representative on the United Nations Security Council to try to ensure early consideration of Dr. Graham's mediation Report on Kashmir.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Commander Allan Noble)

I have been asked to reply to this and other Questions for my hon. Friend today.

The United Kingdom Government are in consultation both with the Indian and the Pakistani Governments about the situation following the presentation by Dr. Graham of his Report. Clearly at the appropriate stage the United Nations Security Council will consider it. The timing of such consideration is, however, a matter for discussion between the members of the Security Council and the parties concerned. The United Kingdom representative to the United Nations will be instructed to agree to any proposal for a meeting of the Security Council which is acceptable to the two parties.

Mr. Bennett

While regretting that, unlike Pakistan, India saw fit to condemn these proposals in advance, may I ask my right hon. and gallant Friend whether, nevertheless, he will do his best to ensure reasonable consideration by all the parties concerned of what is the first genuine compromise attempt for some time to reach a settlement in this longstanding dispute at as early a date as possible?

Commander Noble

As my hon. Friend said in reply to a Question on 15th May, Her Majesty's Government have always worked for a settlement by agreement between the parties concerned, and we will continue to support efforts to reach agreement which would give effect to resolutions of the United Nations.