HC Deb 11 July 1960 vol 626 cc71-3W
59. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will consult with the United States Government with a view to obtaining an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the legality of the recent intervention of the Cuban Government in the British and United States oil refineries.

Mr. Profumo

The effect of Article 96 of the United Nations Charter and Article 65 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice is that an advisory opinion of the Court may not be sought by individual States but only by the Security Council or General Assembly or by certain other authorised bodies.

The Note of protest delivered by Her Majesty's Ambassador at Havana on 4th July fully reserved the legal rights of Her Majesty's Government including the right to claim on behalf of the British interests involved. Her Majesty's Government are now studying a reply to this Note received in London on 8th July, as well as awaiting the outcome of the proceedings initiated by Shell in Cuba.

60. Mr. Delargy

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what approach was made to Her Majesty's Government by the Shell Oil Company about the Cuban Government's proposal to compel the company to refine Russian oil; and what advice was given.

Mr. Profumo

Shortly before the Shell Company of Cuba asked the Cuban Government on 6th June to withdraw this proposal, a representative of Shell had informed Her Majesty's Government of the decision taken by the company and the action about to follow. Her Majesty's Government did not think it appropriate to offer advice, since it was clear that the decision had been reached after very careful consideration of the commercial issues involved.

Mr. Warbey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will publish the text of his recent Note to the Government of Cuba.

Mr. Profumo

No. It would not, I think, be in our general interests to publish this, at any rate at the present stage.