United Nations Decolonisation Committee (Hansard, 13 June 1974)

§ Mr. Ennals

The previous Government did not co-operate in any way with the United Nations Special Committee of 24. The present Government have reviewed the situation and have decided to establish a broad measure of mutual co-operation with the Special Committee of 24. When invited the United Kingdom delegation to the United Nations will normally be glad to take part in meetings of the committee and its sub-committees at which United Kingdom non-self-governing territories are discussed. Her Majesty's Government will provide the committee direct with up-to-date information on recent developments in these territories—hitherto supplied to the United Nations Secretary-General—and will do their best to respond to any request for further information. Her Majesty's Government believe that United Nations visiting missions can in appropriate circumstances make a useful contribution to the process of self-determination and will be ready to discuss proposals to this end further with the committee, whilst retaining, as administering Power, the ultimate right to decide in each case whether a particular mission is desirable in the light of all the relevant factors, not least the views of the locally-elected Government of the territory concerned. I have no doubt that this new and positive approach will be warmly welcomed.