HC Deb 15 July 1963 vol 681 cc10-1
9. Mr. Longden

asked the Lord Privy Seal what further efforts have now been made to negotiate with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics the special agreements which are necessary before the provisions of Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter can operate, bearing in mind that such agreements could only operate if the permanent members of the Security Council were unanimously in favour of their so doing; and what further response there has been from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

Mr. P. Thomas

None, Sir. The Soviet Union is fully aware of its power of veto in the Security Council. There is no reason to suppose that a reminder of that power would cause the Soviet Union to withdraw its opposition to the conclusion of agreements under Article 43 of the United Nations Charter.

Mr. Longden

Does my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal realise that the last time I asked this Question he said that he would give further consideration to this aspect of it? Do not Her Majesty's Government think that, if the United Nations are to engage in further peace-keeping operations of this kind, it would be easier for them to have the machinery provided by the Charter at their disposal? Surely it would be worth while to make another effort?

Mr. Thomas

The question of the establishment of such a force in the context of disarmament is due to be discussed in the negotiations at Geneva. We consider that the negotiations in Geneva constitute the best hope for securing the necessary measure of international agreement to set up an international peace-keeping force.

Mr. Longden

It is not a question of establishing a force. It is a question of bringing into operation the sanctions laid down in Chapter VII of the Charter which have been inoperative for eighteen years owing to the refusal of the Russians to enter into the special agreements. Is no further effort to be made to get them to do so?

Mr. Thomas

I appreciate my hon. Friend's point, and I appreciate that my right hon. Friend said that he would give further consideration to the aspect my hon. Friend raised in a previous Question. Consideration has been given, but we do not think that reminding the Soviet Union of her powers of veto will have the effect my hon. Friend desires.