§ 24. Mr. Zilliacusasked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in view of the renewal of tension between the United States and Cuba, he will bring the matter before the Security Council and propose the adoption of an international inspection system under United Nations auspices based on reciprocity and on an undertaking to settle all differences by the methods prescribed in the United Nations Charter.
§ Mr. ZilliacusIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that tension is being caused by the growing campaign in the United States, in Administration quarters and in Congress, alleging that Cuban defence preparations endanger the safety of the United States? Is he further aware that an international inspection system such as that proposed here would put an end to that tension? Does he acknowledge no responsibility as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for obviating further crises between members of the United Nations?
§ Mr. HeathYes, Sir; we accept our full responsibilities, but as far as I know there has been no significant change in the situation since the United States and the Soviet Government sent their letter to the Secretary-General of the United Nations on 7th January. In any case, on the last occasion when there was tension over Cuba the United States was speedy indeed in taking the matter to the United Nations itself.
§ Mr. ZilliacusYes, after taking armed action in defiance of the Charter.
§ Mr. M. FootIf the right hon. Gentleman will not take the course of action proposed in the Question, will he say what action the British Government are taking in the present Cuban difficulties? Does he really tell the House that there has been no fresh development in the Cuban situation, when everybody else can see that there is the same mounting tension in the United States? There is 927 a growing possibility that there may be a fresh Cuban crisis. Have the British Government taken any action about it?
§ Mr. HeathThe hon. Gentleman is referring to what he supposes to be the internal political situation in the United States. I said that there has been no change in the situation, broadly speaking, since the two Governments exchanged their letters with the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerWas not the Charter devised to secure discussion of exactly such disputes as this before they become dangerous to the peace of the world?
§ Mr. HeathYes, Sir; and, if I remember rightly, this matter is still in the cognisance of the United Nations.
§ Sir M. LindsayIf there were a fresh Cuban crisis, would it not be better to leave it to President Kennedy to deal with as he dealt with the last one?
§ Mr. SpeakerThat question is hypothetical throughout.