§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR (Lord Elwyn-Jones)My Lords, I have received a copy of a Concurrent Resolution of both Houses of the United States' Congress, passed on 23rd October 1975, relating to the loan of an original copy of Magna Carta in recognition of their Bicentennial celebrations, Which is as follows:
" Whereas, the historic document known as the Magna Carta of 1215 A.D. represents an essential link in the long chain of constitutional instruments; and
" Whereas American Colonists brought with them from England the traditions of free government and the principle that all persons stand as equals before the law, concepts which had been embodied in the Magna Carta, and they regarded them as their birthright and incorporated them in their colonial charters and constitutions; and
" Whereas, in drafting the Constitution and the Bill of Rights of the United States, our Founding Fathers sought to guarantee to the people of these United States the freedom of the church, an independent judiciary, the right to a speedy trial, and the concept of due proems of law, which principles were clearly derived from the Magna Carta; and
" Whereas, in recognition of the Bicentennial celebrations of the United States of America, the House of Lords and the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland have unanimously adopted motions respectfully praying that Her Majesty, 640 The Queen, direct that an original copy of the Magna Carta be loaned to the people of the United States, to be held by their representative, the Congress of the United States, for a period of one year; and
" Whereas, this loan has been authorised by Her Majesty, The Queen, in order that this historic document may be displayed in the Capitol, enclosed in a showcase donated by the United Kingdom for that purpose; Therefore, be it
" Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring) That the Congress of the United States recognises that it is natural that men should value the original documents which guarantee their rights, and thus hereby expresses its sincere gratitude to Her Majesty, The Queen, the Parliament and the people of the United Kingdom for their loan to this Nation of the Magna Carta, a document of historic and symbolic significance to the people of both our Nations, and believes that its temporary residence here in the country of its philosophical descendants, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, will contribute an important historical perspective to the Bicentennial celebration; and it be further
" Resolved, That the showcase donated to the United States by the United Kingdom to be used to display the Magna Carta may be placed in the rotunda of the United States Capitol, and the Architect of the Capitol is hereby authorised to make the necessary arrangements there for, including the payment of all necessary expenses incurred in connection with the installation, maintenance, and protection thereof; and be it further
" Resolved, That the Secretary of State is requested to transmit a copy of these resolutions to the Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland."
Signed by the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate.
The Resolution, my Lords, is also being read by the Speaker in another place tomorrow.
§ Lord MAELORMy Lords, would the noble and learned Lord the Lord 641 Chancellor agree that it would be a good thing to send this document over to America by Concorde?
§ The LORD CHANCELLORMy Lords, I do not know whether it is appropriate that I should be questioned on this matter, but I hope that the concord involved in the loan of Magna Carta will achieve all the necessary results required.
§ Ordered, That the said Resolution be entered in the Journals of the House.