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Historical documents

173 Shann to Burton

Minute CANBERRA, 28 July 1947

SECRET

Briefly the argument behind this [1] is that under Chapter 6 the
Dutch could go on with their aggressive activities (if that is
what is happening) despite Security Council action. If, however,
the matter is brought under Chapter 7 (by Article 39) the Council
can order the immediate cessation of hostilities. I am uneasy
about the proposal put forward by Throssell and Loomes for the
reason that under the Pacific Settlement chapter [2] we are merely
suggesting the investigation of a dispute that has international
repercussions, while under Chapter 7 we are implying, even if we
don't say it, that there has actually been a 'breach of the
peace'. This might seem like prejudging the issue, although it is
only a matter of degree, and the advantages of Chapter 7 might be
outweighed by this.

1 Document 172.

2 Chapter VI of the United Nations Charter.


[AA:A1838/274, 854/10/4, i]
Last Updated: 11 September 2013
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