§ 26. Mr. Peter Archerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make proposals at the United Nations with a view to all member-states giving effect to the principles laid down by the Council of Europe in Resolution No. 337 of the Consultative Assembly, on the right of conscientious objection to armed service.
§ Mr. LuardNo, Sir. Shortly after Consultative Assembly Resolution 337 was adopted in 1967 we examined this possibility, and were forced to the conclusion that there was too little common 28 ground for action at the United Nations. The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe also reached a similar conclusion in relation to the members of that organisation. We have had no reason since then to change our view.
§ Mr. ArcherWhatever view other countries may take, is there any reason why this country, which has a very good record in respect of human rights, should be ashamed to be seen to agree publicly about this matter?
§ Mr. LuardThere would be very little object in making proposals of this kind unless there were some chance of agreement. Unfortunately, the evidence is that among the members of the United Nations which my hon. Friend particularly mentioned, only a minority at present recognise the right of conscientious objection. Even in Europe there are a number of States which do not recognise this right. In those circumstances, the kind of agreement which my hon. Friend has in mind would be very difficult to reach.