HL Deb 08 November 1972 vol 336 cc341-2

2.57 p.m.

LORD BARNBY

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

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what further action they contemplate to indicate their dissent from United Nations policy of seating, at United Nations Committees, representative members of recorded terrorist organisations.

THE MINISTER OF STATE, FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (BARONESS TWEEDSMUIR OF BELHELVIE)

My Lords, Her Majesty's Government will continue to oppose the participation as observers of representatives of liberation movements in the proceedings of United Nations' bodies.

LORD BARNBY

But, my Lords, may I ask the Minister whether it does not seem regrettable and imprudent that terrorists, whether in Ulster or in Israel, in South America or Southern Africa, should be given this type of recognition by an international body such as the United Nations? Further, is the noble Baroness aware that the Foreign Minister of an important country at the United Nations described this situation as disturbing, deplorable and wrong in law, as it gives those concerned a standing which is unjustified?

BARONESS TWEEDSMUIR OF BELHELVIE

My Lords, I would agree with the noble Lord in what he has said, and the United Kingdom voted against such a proposal.

LORD JANNER

My Lords, would the noble Baroness take further steps to ensure that Governments realise the terrible significance of the fact that these terrorists are allowed to go to the United Nations, and also perhaps consider the question that those who support them, assist them and harbour them among the members of the United Nations might be asked whether they are prepared to withdraw when any question relating to terrorism comes before the United Nations itself?

BARONESS TWEEDSMUIR OF BELHELVIE

My Lords, we feel that the long-established practice in the United Nations, that individuals can address United Nations' committees as long as they do so in their personal capacity or as petitioners, should remain; but, as I said earlier, we have voted against their coming as observers to take part in the proceedings, but we were out-voted.

LORD BARNBY

My Lords, would not the Minister agree that it must puzzle many people that Britain's influence at the United Nations is so insufficient that it is not possible to achieve something along the lines recommended by the noble Lord, Lord Janner?

BARONESS TWEEDSMUIR OF BELHELVIE

My Lords, we cannot get over the fact that if there are other nations represented which take different views from ours we may be out-voted. We do what we can by persuasion and by speaking.