HC Deb 13 April 1960 vol 621 cc1242-3
14. Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what consultations his representative at the United Nations has had with the Secretary General of the United Nations in regard to the implementation of the recent resolution of the Security Council concerning the racial policies of the Union of South Africa.

Mr. Profumo

My right hon. and learned Friend spent the night of 10th April in New York on his way to Washington. In the course of that evening he and Mr. Hammarskjold had a general talk on current questions affecting the United Nations, including the South African question before the Security Council and disarmament. Sir Pierson Dixon was present.

Mr. Thomson

Though the Government abstained in the Security Council on this question, will the Minister give an assurance that the Government accept the decision taken by the United Nations without any vote against? Will the Government use their good offices to implement that part of the Security Council resolution that calls for consultations between the United Nations and the Government of the Union of South Africa?

Mr. Profnmo

The resolution did not call on other nations. The Council did not call on its members to take any action. The Council called on the Secretary-General. Mr. Hammarskjold, in a Press conference, said that he wants to play this hand "as the Secretary-General" and as an independent organ of the United Nations.