Charter (Special Agreements)

Oral Answers to Questions — United Nations – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 29 May 1963.

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Photo of Mr Gilbert Longden Mr Gilbert Longden , South West Hertfordshire 12:00, 29 May 1963

asked the Lord Privy Seal what attempts have recently been made by the Military Staff Committee of the Security Council to negotiate the special agreements referred to in Article 43 of the Charter without which the sanctions intended to enable the Security Council to fulfil its primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security cannot be enforced; and what are the reasons still preventing the conclusion of these special agreements eighteen years after the Charter was signed.

Photo of Mr Edward Heath Mr Edward Heath , Bexley

None, Sir. The Military Staff Committee reached deadlock at an early stage over the general principles that should govern the organisation of the armed forces to be made available to the Security Council by Member States. Nothing has occurred since to resolve this disagreement.

Photo of Mr Gilbert Longden Mr Gilbert Longden , South West Hertfordshire

Could not the Soviet Union be reminded that Chapter 7 of the Charter cannot be brought into operation unless it is so decided by the Security Council, on which the Soviet Union retains its veto? What is the object of holding up the operation of these sanctions?

Photo of Mr Edward Heath Mr Edward Heath , Bexley

I will certainly consider my hon. Friend's suggestion, but I am afraid that there is no indication that the Soviet Union would be prepared to agree to the implementation of the Military Staff Committee.