§ 38. Mr. Fosterasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will now make a statement regarding the reservations attached to the United Kingdom's acceptance of the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice.
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreYes. Her Majesty's Government have decided to withdraw the reservation which was entered on 18th April, 1957, excluding "any question which, in the opinion of the Government of the United Kingdom, affects the national security of the United Kingdom or any of its dependent territories".
British interests will continue to be protected by the remaining United Kingdom reservations and by the requirement of reciprocity which is being fully maintained. In addition, of course, it is always open to a country having accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the Court, to enter a new reservation at any time should further protection of national interests seem desirable.