HL Deb 05 May 1953 vol 182 c205
VISCOUNT STANSGATE

My Lords, beg to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether this country has any obligations under the San Francisco Charter to participate in the war in Indo-china.]

THE MARQUESS OF READING

No, my Lords, such obligations could arise only out of a decision by the Security Council under Chapter 7 of the Charter, "Action with Respect to Threats to the Peace, Breaches of the Peace and Acts of Aggression." Under Article 25 members of the United Nations agree to accept and carry out such decisions.

VISCOUNT STANSGATE

My Lords, I thank the noble Marquess for his Answer to my question which I shall read in connection with a statement issued by N.A.T.O. about ten days ago which appeared to be usurping the functions of the Security Council.