HC Deb 01 March 1965 vol 707 cc162-4W
32. Mr. Tilney

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he accepts the provisions of Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter as an adequate way of peace keeping when threats of breaches of the peace are committed; and whether he will seek to initiate a new chapter of the Charter to deal with situations coming between those requiring conciliation, Chapter VI, and enforcement, Chapter VII.

Mr. George Thomson

While it is true that the provisions of Chapter VII have so far remained largely inoperative, Her Majesty's Government hope it will be possible in time to secure the international agreement necessary to enable the Security Council to operate these provisions. Meanwhile, they consider that the capacity of the United Nations to take measures short of enforcement action needs to be strengthened. It is possible that proposals to that end may emerge from the committee which is to be set up in New York to review all aspects of peace keeping. This is a matter that is being actively studied by Her Majesty's Government. We are always prepared to consider amendments to the Charter when these are constructive and likely to command general support.

33. Mr. W. T. Williams

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will hold conversations with the Japanese Government about strengthening the peace-keeping operations of the United Nations; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. George Thomson

We are in close touch with all our friends on the subject of United Nations peace keeping. We also have regular talks with the Japanese Government about international affairs in general. I do not think that there is any need at the present time to hold special talks with them about United Nations peace keeping.

70. Mr. John Hall

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will seek to use the new United Nations peace-keeping committee to lay down rules for peace-keeping operations undertaken by the United Nations, so that these are concerned with enforcing law, and not only with observing conflict.

Mr. George Thomson

The peacekeeping committee's terms of reference enable it to deal with all aspects of peace-keeping operations, including the rules under which such operations are undertaken.

71. Mr. John Hall

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will offer to supply personnel for a legal echelon or unit for United Nations peacekeeping operations, to deal with cases of persons opposing or impeding a United Nations mandate within the area of operations.

Mr. George Thomson

No. We are doing what we can to strengthen the effectiveness of the United Nations in peacekeeping operations, but the hon. Member's proposal would take us into a field in which it would be unrealistic to suppose that we could obtain any general agreement at the present time.