HC Deb 17 February 1947 vol 433 cc128-9W
97. Mr. Beswick

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the number of nations represented on U.N.O. Military Staff Committee and the number of officers which the United Kingdom have attached to this committee.

Mr. Mayhew

Article 47 (2) of the Charter of the United Nations states that the Military Staff Committee shall consist of the chiefs of staff of the permanent members of the Security Council, or their representatives. Any member of the United Nations not permanently represented on the committee shall be invited by the committee to be associated with it when the efficient discharge of the committee's responsibilities requires the participation of that member in its work. The United Kingdom delegation to the Military Staff Committee consists of 17 officers.

98. Mr. Beswick

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the original terms of reference of the Military Staff Committee of U.N.O.; whether this body has yet made a report; and what are the present terms of reference.

Mr. Mayhew

The Statute of the Military Staff Committee, which is still under discussion and has not yet been approved by the Security Council, at present states that the Military Staff Committee is organised to perform these functions:

  1. (a) To advise and assist the Security Council on all questions relating to the 129 Security Council's military requirements for the maintenance of international peace and security and, in particular, the prevention and suppression of aggression.
  2. (b) To prepare for the Security Council plans for the application of armed force.
  3. (c) To make recommendations to the Security Council for the employment and command, including the designation of commanders of forces placed at its disposal.
  4. (d) To advise and assist the Security Council on all questions relating to the regulation of armaments and possible disarmament.
  5. (e) Under the Security Council to be responsible for and to exercise the strategic direction of Armed Forces placed at the disposal of the Security Council.
  6. (f) With the authorisation of the Security Council and after consultation with appropriate regional agencies, to establish regional Military Staff Sub-Committees and to direct their activities.
  7. (g) To perform such other functions as the Security Council may require.

On 16th February, 1946, the Security Council directed the Military Staff Com-

1st January, 1947. 1st April, 1947. 1st April, 1948.
Regular British officers of the Indian Army 2,583 2,200 1,100
Regular British Service officers attached to the Indian Army. 751 500 350
British E.C.O's of Indian Army 6,348 3,700 2,200
British Service E.C.O's attached to the Indian Army. 7,686 5,000 350

The above figures do not include medical and dental officers.