HC Deb 13 December 1965 vol 722 cc887-8
7. Mr. Gordon Campbell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made in settling the disagreement at the United Nations about the control and financing of peacekeeping forces.

Mr. George Thomson

There has been no progress towards agreement on the fundamental issues which divide the Soviet bloc and the French from the majority of the members of the United Nations on peace-keeping questions. There has, however, been a full debate of the question at the current session of the Assembly, the outcome of which is a recommendation that the Special Committee set up to review all aspects of peace keeping should continue its work next year in the light of the debate. I am sure that this recommendation, which has not yet been finally approved by the Assembly, provides the best means of making progress in the search for agreement.

Mr. Campbell

Have any countries made or announced voluntary contributions since Britain and certain other countries made their offers this summer?

Mr. Thomson

There is another Question on this subject. Twenty countries have now made contributions.

Lady Tweedsmuir

Would the Minister of State say what is in the Government's mind about proposals concerning the uniting for peace resolution?

Mr. Thomson

We consider that the Security Council has the primary but not exclusive responsibility for peace keeping. We believe that the General Assembly also has a general responsibility to authorise peace-keeping operations whenever the Security Council is unable to act.

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