HC Deb 27 November 1963 vol 685 cc86-7W
Mr. Renton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's decision to withdraw Reservation VI from the United Kingdom Declaration of Acceptance of the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice.

Mr. R. A. Butler

Yes. Her Majesty's Government have decided to withdraw the Declaration, which was made on 26th November, 1958, and to enter a new Declaration. The purpose is to revoke the "no-retroactivity" clause concerning national security contained in the existing Declaration. In taking this step, Her Majesty's Government are showing in a practical way the support which they have always given to the maintenance of the rule of law in international affairs through the International Court of Justice.

So far as is essential, British interests will continue to be protected by the reservations in the new Declaration and by the requirement of reciprocity which is being fully maintained.

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