HC Deb 16 June 1969 vol 785 cc26-7
31. Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recommendations he is making to the United Nations for the celebration of its 25th anniversary.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

In current discussions in New York, we are urging that the anniversary should stimulate serious thought and study, nationally and internationally, about the organisation's rôle, in order to strengthen support for the principles and purposes of the Charter. We support a special high-level meeting at headquarters. We should also like to see youth participate fully in the activities of the Anniversary.

Mr. Judd

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. It is most encouraging to find our representatives concerned with the future. Can my right hon. Friend assure us that the British Government will do everything possible to resist an unseeming orgy of self-congratulatory speeches by world statesmen?

Mr. Roberts

That is exactly what we want to avoid. These celebrations should be practical and realistic—

Mr. Biggs-Davison

And inexpensive.

Mr. Roberts

—and as inexpensive as possible. It would be even more expensive in both money and lives not to have a United Nations to celebrate.

Mr. Evelyn King

Is not one of the organs of the United States actively supporting General Franco in his claims on Gibraltar? Would it not be appropriate on the 25th anniversary of the United Nations if this exhibition of anti-British prejudice were to cease; and would it not be helpful to the image of the United Nations?

Mr. Roberts

I entirely agree with any efforts to fight and prevent exhibitions of anti-British prejudice wherever they are shown.

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