§ 36. Mr. Blakerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government regarding the United Nations Special Committee of 24.
§ Mr. George ThomsonThe policy of Her Majesty's Government is to cooperate with the Committee of 24 as far as they can and seek the Committee's support for measures designed to promote the interests of the inhabitants of the territories concerned and where that support is not forthcoming to ensure that our policies of constitutional progress are adequately explained and where necessary defended.
§ Mr. BlakerIs the Minister aware that the House will welcome the Government's decision not to take any further part in the deliberations of this Committee so far as concerns the West Indian associated States? Is a British representative currently a member of the Committee which is touring Africa and Asia?
§ Mr. ThomsonWe have decided not to take part in the Committee's tour of Africa and Asia on the ground that these kind of deliberations can be more economically performed in New York. This would not preclude us taking part in any particular debate where we felt that our own interest was threatened.