TROISIÈMPARTIE
CORRESPONDANCE
PART III
CORRESPONDENCE 1. THE SECKETARY-GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS
TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE COURT
December ~gtli, 1949.
Sir,
1 have the honour to inform you tfiat the General Assembly of thc
Uiiitcd Nations, by a resolution adopted ai its 269th pleiiary meeting
lieldon 6 December, 1949 in coniiesion witli the itcm of agencla"Ques-
tion of South-West Africa", decided to submit the following questioiis
to the Internationnl Court ol Justice with a request for an advisory
opinion :
"Wliat is the international status of the Territory of South-
West Africa and what arethe international obligations of the Union
of South Africs arising tlierefrom, in yarticula:
(a) Docs the Uiiion of South Africa continue to have inter-
nationri1 obligations uiidcr the Mandate for South-West Africa
aiid, if so, what are thosc obligations ?
(6) Arc the provisions of Chapter XII of the Charter appli-
cable and, if so, iii wliat rnanner, to the Territory of South-West
Africa ?
(c) 1-las the Union of South Africa the competence to iiioclify
the international status of the Territory of South-West Africa,
or, iiithc event of a iiegative reply, where does compctencc rcst
to determine arid modify the international status ofthe Territory ?"
Inaccordancc with its termç, 1 am transmitting herewitli the .fore-
mciitioned rcsoliitionl,iiitwo copies, one in English and oiic itiFrench,
both duly certified. 1 shall also transmit to the Court al1 relevaiit
dociinients referred to ithe said resolution, as soon as possible.
1 Iiavc,etc,
(Sigitd) TKYGVR 1-XE,
Secretary-Ceneral.
30 décembre 1949.
Monsieur le Ministre,
A ladate du 6 décembre 1949 ,'Assetnbléegénéraledes Nations Unies
a adoptéune résolutioripar Inqiielle elle demande à la Cour interiiatioiialc
de Jiistice111avis sur le statut international du Territoire du Sud-Ouest
africain.
Le tcxtc dc cette résolution a étédéposéau Greffe par lettre sigriéc
du Secrétaire général des Nations Unies en date du 19 décembre 1949.
j'ai l'lionneur d'en faire tenir ci-joint à Votre Excellence la copie3
certifiée coiifot~ne en la priant de bien vouloir considérer la présente
' Scc p. 8.
* Cette communication aété adressée à tous les Étatsadmis 5 estdevant la
Cour.
Voir p. 8.communication comine la iiotification prescrite par l'article 66, para-
graphe premier, du Statut de In Cour.
Aux termes de l'ordonnance dont Votre Excellence voudra bien
trouver ci-joint une copie', le Présidende la Cour a fix éu 20 niars1950
la date ilaqueHe espire le délaidans lequel des exposésécritspourraient
être prbentés.
Veuillez agréer, etc.
30 décembre 1949.
Monsieur lc Secrétaire général,
Par votre lettre en date du 19 décembre 1949 ,ous avez bien voulu
transmettre à la Cour la copie certifiée conforme (en français et en
anglais) d'une résolution du 6 décembrc 1949, par laquelle l'Assemblée
générale desNations Unies demaride un avis consultatif sur lestatut
international di1 Territoire du Sud-Ouest africain. Vous avez ajouté
que, conformément à l'article65 du Statut, tous documents pouvant
servir à élucider la question seront transmis à la Cour le plus tBt
possible.
En vous accusant la réception de votre obligeante communication,
j'ai l'honneur de porterih votre connûiççance que la notification dc
la demande d'avis aux l~tats admis à ester en justice devant la Cour,
notification prévue à l'article66, paragraphe I, du Statut, a étéfaite
par mes soins aujourd'hui.
Veuillez agréer, etc.
4.LE GREFFER AU SECRÉTAIRE GÉNÉRAL DES N.4TIONS UNIES
5 janï'ier 1950.
hlonsieur le Secrétaire général, '
BIe référantà ma lettre cl1130 décembre 1949 relative à la demande
d'avis consultatif siir le statut international du Territoire du Stid-
Ouest africain, j'ai l'honneurde vous transmettre ci-joint copie d'une
ordonnance renduc le 30 décembre 1949par le Président de la Cour '.
Cette ordonnance fixe au 20 mars 1950 la date à laquelle expire
le délai dans lequel des exposés écrits pourraient être présentés en
ladite affaire.
Veuillez agréer, etc.
20 janvier 1950.
Monsieur le Greffier,
11m'est agréable d'accuser la réception de votre lettredu 30 décembre
--oulé 11" 9470, par la(lue1le vous me communiquez copie certifiée
\loir publicatiotIela Cour: Reca~eiEdesArrêls, Aui~msultafifel Ordon-
nn?uesxg4g,pp.270-271.conforrnc du texte de la résolution de l'Assembléegénérale desNations
Unies adoptée le 6 décembre 1949,demandant à la Cour internationale
de Justice uii avis sur lestatut interriational du Territoire du Sud-
Ouest africain.
Eii prcnarit note qu'aux termes de I'ordoniiance prise en consé-
querice, lePrésident de la Cour a fixéau zo mars 1950 la datek laqiiclle
expire Ic délai dans lequel des exposés écrits pourront êtreprCseiitCs,
je vous informe que le Gouvernernelit d'Haïti n'a pas l'intention de
soumettre d'exposés sur cette question.
Kecevez, etc.
(Sigtzé)Lours ~AY~~OND,
!&rétaire d'État a. i.
6. THE SECRETAKY-GENER OAFTHE UNITED XATIOKS TO THE PRESIDENT
OF THE COURT
Ja~iuary 23rd, 1950.
Sir,
1 have the Iionour to iiiforrn you thrit 1 have designated hlr. Ivan
Kerrio, Assistarit Secretary-Geiicral iii charofthe Legal Deprirtmciit,
as tlic rcpreseiitativeof the Secrctary-General in the yroceedings of
the Cotirt concerni~ig,the request for an aclvisory opinion on the ititer-
natiorial status of South-West Africn made in liesolution 338 (IV) of
the Geiieral Assembly adopted on 6 Deceinber, 1949.
hlr. Kerno is authorized to yresent, ii-the name of the Secretary-
General, writteii or oral statements which may be of assistance to
the Court iri the consideration of tliis matter.
1 have, etc.
(Siglzed)TKYGVE LIE,
-- Secretary-Geilernl.
15 février 1950,
Senor Escribano,
Terigo el agrado de referirine a la atenta nota niimero 9470, dc
fechn 30 de diciembre iiitimo,cn la cual me cornunicii usted que cl
Presidciite de la Corte Internacioiial de Justicia fijiel 20 de marzo
de ïgjû como fccha limite para recibir esposiciones eçcritas rclacio-
nadas con la consulta de la Asamblea General de lasNaciones U~iidas
sobre el statos internacional del Africa Sucloccidental.
Adjuiita envio a usted copia de la esposicibn formulada por la
Dclegacion de Guatemala cn la IV Sesi61i de la Asamblea Gerieral
de las Naciones Unidaç1, que coritiene los puntos de vista de mi
Gobierrio con respecto a este asirnto.
Aprovcclio la oportunidad parri siiscribinne de usted, con distin-
etc.
(Signé)~SDUAHD OE LEONS.,
Subsecretario de Kelaciones Exteriores.
1 Kon reproduite. PART III.-COKRESPOSDENCE 323
8. LE GREFFIER AU SOUS-SISCH~TAIRE DU ~IINISTÈRE DES KICI.:\TIOXS
EXTÉKIEUIII:~ DU GUATEAIALA (téfe'gramme)
28 février 1950.
9957. Recu votre lettre 2178 (lu15 fevrier avec ariiiexcs coricerriai~t
statut Sud-Ouest africain stoP Déclarations formulées par dbléguc
Guatemala 24 noi~cnihrc figurciit en résurné daiis comptes reiidits
Quatrième Comniission d6l)osiispar Secrétaire géiiéralNatioris Uiiies en
application Statut article 65 para. 2 stop Votre texte intégral pourrait
Etre considéré commeesyosf. &rit Guatemala présentéconformémerit
statut article66 parn. 2 siop Toutefois iiécessairedanscc cas que tcstc
ç3it français ou anglais confortnément Règlemeiit article 43 para. 2
stop Confirme expiration dél- i20 mars.
9. THE GENERAL COUNSEI, AND PRINCIPAL DIRECTOR OF TH[: LICGAL
DEPARTMENT OF Tt115 UNITED NATIONS TO THE RF:GISTIL\K
March ~st, 1950.
Sir,
1wish to refer to tlic lctfrointlie Secretary-Geiicr;il to tlie l'i.csiclcnt
of the International Courtof JusticeLEC; 46/05( 5 )L d:ltctrg Ilcccm-
ber,1949, transmitting areqiiest by tl-icGeneral Assembly for an advisory
opinion on a question iii coiinesion with the agenda item "Qiiestioiiof
South-West Afrjca".
In accordance with Article 65 of tlie Statute of tlic International
Court of Juçticc, 1 rim transmitting to pou to be made avnilnble to
the Court that part of the relevant documents likely to throw light
upon the question ivliich yori by cable No. 19 h:ir~engrecd to print'.
A list of tliese docunieiits is ciicloçed. 1 certify .tliat the inimeographed
documents are authcntic docunicnts of tlie United h'ritions Conference
on International Organization, San 17ra~icisco,1945, and the pliotostats
are truc copies of autlicritic documentofthe conference.The documents
which are being prepnrcd by the Secretariat will be transmitted as soon
as the printing of tlie dossieisconiplete,
il ilote conccrning printirig wliich was prepared by tlic 13iirenu of
Ihcuments is attached to tlic docun~ents.
As the mirncographed docuinents are taken from tlie Uiiitcd Nrit'ons
archives, it is requested tliat they be returned. If tlie Coiirt desires
certified copies for its pcrninnent records, one of tlie priiitecl copies
may be certified Ilcre and rcturned to you.
1 have, etc.
(Sigized)A. H. I;ELLI:R,
Ceneral Counsel and Principal Director,
Legal Department.
See pp. 37"1 sqq.IO. XiP. RORERT DELSON, LEAGUE FOR THE KIGHTS OF MAN, TO THE
REGISTRAR
March 7th, Igjo.
Re reqilesl /or advisory ofii.izionconcernirtg the international statzis
oJ South-West Africa
Uenr Sir,
In my capacity as a member of the Koartl of Directors of the Inter-
national League for tlie Rights of Mali, and as itscounsel with respect
to the above-mcntioned matter, 1 herewitli aclvise you that the League
desires to takc advnntage of tlie provisions of Articlc 66, paragraph 3,
of the Statute of the Court, whiclï provides that the Registrar shall
notify any international organization considerecl by tlie Court or the
Presiclerit as likely to be able to furnish information oii the question,
that tlie Court will be prepared to receive written statements or hear
oral çtatements relating to the question which is the subject matter
of ail advisory opiiiion to be rendered by the Court.
1 am ericlosirig herewii' a copy of a pampl~let erititlerlPresersling
the Interizntional Leagite of the Rights of Mail, wbich describes the
charricter of tliis orgn~iizatio~You will note thnt thc League is the
succcssor on Americnn soi1 of an agency forrned mriny years ago in
Paris to co-orclitiate tfie activities of the various Laigues for the Rights
of Man in Europcari aiid other countrics.
Its officers aiid advisers include many of tlic outstanding defenders
of human rights. For many years the League has becri actively concerned
with the propagation of humai1 rights throughout the world. It is
recognized as a consultative organizatioii by the 1:coiiornic and Social
Council.
The League isin n positioii to furnish infomiation on this question
since it has been actively interested in this matter for some time. The
Kev. Michael Scott, who appeared before the Fourth Cornmittee of the
last General Assembly, came to the United States as the League's
corisultant before the Wuman Rights Commission. Tlic Lengue is in the
possession of vcry extensive information and data coricerning the matter
and has made an extensive research into the lepl issues concerned,
so tliat itwould further the purposes of tlie Court and the extension
and prescrvntioii of human rights if the Court or tlic President deter-
mine that the 1,eague should be authorized to furnish a written or oral
statement of this matter.
At this tiine thc Lcague specifically requests that it be granted the
-
right to furnish a written statement herein.
Inasmuch as the espiry date forthe deposit of such written statement
has been fixed as 1IIarchzo, 1950, itis respectfullyurged that an imme-
diate decision be made in this matter or that in the alternative the time
to filesuch a stntenient by the League be extended for a further reason-
able period.
Ifthis request sliould be granted it is also retluested that the Registrar
forward to me copies of any written çtatements heretofore made.
Respectfully yoiirs,
(Signed) ROBERT DELSON. PART ,111.-CORRESPONDEXCE 325
II. THE RECISTRAR TO Mr. ROBERT KIELSON, LEAGUE FOR THE RIGIITS
OF MAN
Marcli qth, 1950.
Dear Sir,
1 beg to acknowledge the rcceipt of your lctter of March 7, 1950,
enclosing two requests to the Court on hehalf of the International
1,eaguc for the Kights of Man.
These requests will bepIaced hefore the Court in due course.
Yours, etc.
--
12. THE LEGAI. ADVISER OF THE DEPAHThfENT OF STATE OF THE UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA TO THE 121~GISTKrlR
March rqth, 1950.
Sir,
The reccipt is acknowIedged of your communication 9470, datecl
December 30, 1949, notifying the Governmerit of the United States
of the resolutioii adopted by the General AsscmbIof theUnited N t'ions
on Dccernber 6, 1949, in ivhich the InternationalCourt of Justice was
asked for an ndvisory opinion on the international statof the Territory
of South-West Africa, and stating that March 20, 1950, had been fised
as the time-Iimit for submission of writteri statcments. The Govcrnment
of the United States submits herewith the eiiclosed written staternent
on this mntter ', pursuarit toArticle 66 of tlie Statute of tlie Coiirt.
Very, etc.
For the Acting Secretary of State :
(Sipteri)ADRIAN S. FISHER,
Tlic Legai Adviser.
Ij mars 1950.
hIonsieur le Greffier,
Me référant A l'ordonnance du 30 decembre 1949de M. le I'résitlerit
de la Coiir fisant au lundi 20 mars 1950 ta date à laquellees ire Ic
délai dans lequel pourront être dépads, au riom des Etats a !inis A
ester devant ln Cour, les exposés écrits rclatifs à la question du Stntiit
international du Sud-Ouest africain sur laquelle avait étédern:indC
l'avis cleln Cour, j'ai l'honneur de voiis transmettre ci-joint l'expos6
écritdu Goovcriiemeiit royal égypticii rclntivement àcette question *.
Veuillez agrker, etc.
(Siglze'~~OIIAMED ALY SADEK BEY,
Ministre d'Égypte.
' See pp. 85el sqq.
Voir pp.67 etsqj.326 TROIS~~CAIEPARTIE. - CORREÇP~SDAXCE
14. THE REPHESENTATIVE OF THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNLlENT TO THE
KEGISTRAR (telegram)
March rgth, 1950.
Have received instructions Pliilippine Govern~nent to siibmit oral
statement on tlie questioii of South-West Africa stop I'lcase enter
my appearance iil belinlf I'fiilippine Governmentancl advise date
public sitting pcl pleaswirc reyly collectcare Philippine Delegaton
CMA Palais des Nations Unies Geneva.-JOSÉ INGLISS.
16 mars 1950.
Escellence,
On vient de m'avertir de Varsovie par téléphone que le mémo-
randum du Gouvernemerit polonais concernant la question soulevCe
auprès du Tribunal propos de l'Afrique du Sud a été cspédié
aiijourd'huimême pour La Haye. Je m'empresse d'en informer sans
délai Votre Excellence :ifin de rendre possible la piiblicationde 1:r
réponse polonaise avcc les opinions des autres goiivernerneiits dans
le recueil prévu à.cet égard.
Veuillez agréer, etc.
Le Ministre de l'ologiie,
(Signk) KSAIVERY PRUSXYNSKI.
March 16th, 1950.
ïoogj.Your telegram BInrch fifteentlistop Oral proccdure probnbly
latter half May stop \Vilkeep you informed as soon as Court has fiscd
definite date.
17. LE GIIEFFIBK AU MINISTRE DE POLOGNE A LA HAYE
TG mars 1950.
Monsieur le Miiiistre,
J'ail'lionneur d'accuser la rkception de la lettre, et1dat16 mars
1950,par laquelle Votre Excellence a bien voulu me faire savoir (lue
l'exposé écrit di1 Gouvernement polonais, dans l'affaire consultative
qui a traitau statut international du Sud-Ouest africain, a étexpédié
aujourd'hui mêmede Varsovie à destination de La Haye.
J'espère que ce documeiit arrivera dans le délai prévu qui,comme
Votre Excellence le sait, aéti:fiséau lundi 20 mars 1950, par l'or-
donnance du 30 décembre 1949.
En remerciant Votre Escellcnce de son obligeante communicntion,
j'ai l'honneuretc.
.-- FART III.-CORHESPONDEXCE 327
18. THE RI<GISTRAR TO Mr. ROBERT IIELSON, LEAGUB FOR THE RIGHTS
OF MAN (telegram)
March 16th, 1950.
10133. Your letter iilarch7 re advisory opinion South-LVest Africa
sto$ Am instructed to let you know tliat International Court Justice
isprepared to receivc from you before AprilIO r9jo a lvrittestatement
of the information likely to assist Court in its examination of Iegal
questions put to it in Assembly request coiicerning South-\Vest Africa
stop This informatioti confined to legal questions must not include
any stâtement of facts which Court has not been asked to appreciate
stop Court does not co~itemplate resorting further to Leaguefor Rights
of hlan in present case.
19. THE MINIÇTER OF THE UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA AT THE HAGUE
TO THE KEGISTKAR
March rGth, 1950.
Sir,
With reference to your letter No. 9470 of 30th December, 1949,
1 have the honour to transmit herewith the Statement of the Govern-
ment of the Union of South Africa 011South-West ilfrical.
It would be greatly appreciated if you would kindly acknowledge
receipt.
I have, etc.
(Signefi) D. B. I!osM.~N,
Rlinister.
20. LE SECRETA~G ~E<N;EKA DU, MINISTÈHE DES AFFAIRES ÉTRAKGERES
DE POLOGNI: AU GREFFIER
Vu 1'Ordonnarlce du Président de la Cour du 30 décembre 1949,
j'ai l'honneur de vous fairetenir, ci-joint, l'exposéécritedu Gouverne-
ment pololiais relatifla cluestion sur Iaqiielle a étédemaiidé l'avis de
la Cour.
Veuillez ngrder, etc.
(Signé)STEFAN \\~IEKRO~VSKI,
Ambassadeur,
Secrétaire général du
ministère des Affaires étrangères.
--
See pp. 72 eisgy.
a Voir pp. 152 el sqq.21. THE EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AhIERICA AT THE HAGUE
TO THE REGISTRAK
The Embassy of the Uriiteti States of America has the hoiior to trans-
mit a letter1 dated March rq,1950, from the Office of the Legal Adviser
of the Department of State to the Registrar of the International Court
of Justice. This letter encloses the written statement of the United
States on questions sub~nitted to the international Court of Justice
by the United Xations General Assembly in its Resolution 338 (IV]
dated December 6, 1949, regarding the international status of the
Territory of South-IVest Africa.
22. THE UXDER-SECRETARY TO THE GOVERKMENT OF INIIIA, MINISTRY
OF EXTERNAI. AFFAIKS, TO THE REGISTRAIi
Sir, March ...., 1950.
In reply to your letter No. I,M/I<AA 9470 dated the 30th December,
1949, dealing with the question submitted to the Court for advisory
opinion on the international status of the Territory of South-\jTest
Africa and upon instructions frcim the Government of India, 1 have
the honour to submit herewith a written statement embodying the
views of the Governrnent on this question.
1 have, etc.
(Sig~z8d)SHRIT. J. NATKAJAN,
Under-Sccretary.
MT. GORDON P. MUIKHEAD TO THE 1ZEGIS'~KrlK
23.
Marck 17th, 1950.
Dear Sir,
Internatio?aalstatztsof Soaith-West Africa
In connesion with the above matter 1am enclosing hercwith a state-
ment of facts and a statement of law $,which 1am requested to forward
to you by the Kev. Michael Scott iiihis capacity as adviser to the Inter-
iiatio~ial 1-eague for the Riglits of Man.
Otving tu the fact thntule it1crnot nmare until receritly of thc Coiirt's
order that any statements had to be submitted by the 20th instant, it
was impossible to collect the necessnry information in time for a single
statement to be prepared in conjunction with the League's legal advisers
iri New York. Tt is possible thrit you will already have received a state-
ment from them, in which event 1 should be obliged if you wouId kindly
treat the enclosed statements as additional ones on behalf of the League.
1 Sec XO. 12,p. 325.
3 Sot rcproduced.qq. PART 111.-CORRESPOSDESCE 329
1 understand that the League's legal advisers are in communication
with you regarding the status of theLeague as an "international organiza-
tion" within the meaning of the Statute of the Court.
1 should, therefore, be obliged if the enclosed çtatements could be
submitted to the Court.
1 would also infomt you that, should the Coùrt desire to hear oral
evidence, the Rev. Scott would be willing to attend for that purpose.
Yours, etc.
(Signed GORDON F. ~~UIRHEAD.
24. LE MINISTKE DE POLOGNE A LA HAYE AU GREFFIER
20 mars IgjO.
Excellence,
J'ai l'honneur de faire suivre 2 Votre Excellence l'exposé écritl du
Gouvernement polonais, d:~iisl'affaire consultative quitrait au statut
international du Sud-Ouest africain, rcçu ce jour même.
Veuillez agréer, etc.
Le Ministre de Pologne,
25. THE REGISTRAR TO Mi'.GORDON F. MUIRHEAD
51arch zoth, IgjO.
Sir,
1 have received your letter of March 17, 1950 ,nclosinga statement
of Iaw and a statement of facts which you want to deposit on behalf
of the Kcv. Michael Scott, who is, you state, an adviser to the Inter-
national League for the Rights of Man.
1 regret to Say that 1 have no information to this effect from the
League. This Organization has requested permission to submit a
statement to the Court, and the Court lias acceded to its request.
Further commiinications in this matter should, therefore, ernanate
from the headquarters of that organization.
Yours, etc.
----
26. LE GKEI:FIEI<AU SOUS-SI;CKETAI KUE MINISTÈRE DES RELATIONS
EXTÉRII!UI<ISSIIU GUATEMALA (télégramme)
20 mars 19jo
10150. Délai dépôt exposés écrits en affaire Sud-Ouest africain
expire aujourd'hui stop Mari télégramme 9987 28 février rg50 resté
sans réponse stop Sauf avis contraire télégraphique immédiat devrai
conclure que votre Gouvernemeiit renonce à dép6t.
1 Voirpp. 152 et sqq.27. THE iis~~~~d\~ ~ECRET.IRYCEKEKAI. ih; CHARGE OF THE LEGAL
I>EPAKTMBXT, UNITED SATIONS, TO THE ItECISTRAR
March aoth, 19jo.
Sir,
I wish to refer to tfie ietter from the Secretary-Gcnernl to the President
of the International Court of Justice (LEG 46/og(~)H'FL) dated 19De-
cember, 1949, transmitting a request by the General Assembly for
an advisory opinion on the question of South-West Africa.
Iri pursrrance of General .4ssembly Kesolutiori 338 (IV}of 6 Decem-
ber, 1949, and in accordance with Article 65 of the Statute of the
Court, 1 wish to inform you that the Secretary-General has now for-
warded to tlie Court thirty dossiers containing thc clocuments which,
in his opiiiion, are likely to throw light irpoii the question.
Seventeen of the dossiers were sent on 17 hfarch, Igjû, by air
espress ; thirteen others were dispatched by surface mail. 1 would be
xTerymuch obliged ifyou could make these dossiers available to the
members of the Court, together with the documents of the United
Nations Coiiference on International Orgaiiization and the League of
Nations dociirnent : "The I\landates Systern-Origin, Principles,
Application", which were sent to you previously.
A classified listof United Nations docurnenis contaiiled in the
dossiers is in preparation and wilI bc aimailed to you shortly.
I would he grateful if you could inform me of any request for
additional documents oii the question of Soutli-West Africa which
the Court rnay express.
You will find enclosed tivo lists : one inEnglish and one in French,
of the documents which the Secretary-Gencral has transmitted. T
hereby certify that the Uiiited Kations documents are true copies
of texts as they appear or will appear in the final officia1 records of
the United Nations ; that the documents of the Unitecl Xations Con-
ference on International Organization are true copies of authentic
documents of the conference deposited in the archives of the United
Nations ; that the League of Nations docii~ilcnts are true copiesof
the texts as they appear in the official publicatioiis of the League of
Nations ; that the excerpts from the Treaty of Versailles are true
copies of the text ns reproduced in the officia1 publications of the
British Government, His Majesty's Çtationery Office, Idondon, 19~9 ;
that the exccrpt froin the Treaty of Berlin of 25 August, 1921, 1s a
true copy of the text as published in the League of Nations Trealy
Series; and that the S~utl~-~~estAfrica Constitution Act is a true
copy ofthe textas it appears in the LRZIJ oj South-West Africa, 1923,
published by order of the Ad~i~inistrator of South-\Vest Africa.
1 have, etc.
.Si-ired) Dr. IVAN S. KERXO,
?-tssistant Secretary-General
in cliargc of tlie 1,egal Department.28. LE SOUS-SECK~TAIRE DU MISISTÈRE DES RELdTIONÇ EXTÉKIEURES
DU GUATEMI~IA AU GREFFIER (télégramme)
21 mars 1950.
1054. Sus 9987 y 10150 Gobierrlo Guateriiala no depositara texto
ya que su opinihn consta ex1informe Secretario Gencrnl O.N.U. trans-
mitido conforme articulo 65 12stntuto.- E. nE LEON. S.
29. THE KEGISTKAR TO THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY-GFNERAL IN CHARGE
;,OF THE I,EGAL DI:I':\I<T>iEs*UKITED NATIONS (telegrain)
March 23rd, Igjû.
10188 cable 32. Beginniiig Tuesday sixteenth May ten thirty a.m.
Court will hold public meetings to hear oral statements advisory case
concerning international status South-\fTl'esAfrica stop Following
Covernments have submitted written statements Egypt Uiiion of
South Africa U.S.A. India Poland stop l:ollowing request Board Direc-
tors International League Kiglits of Man Court stated prepared rcceive
from League before April terith written statement information likely
assist in considering legal qirestions Assemblput to Courtsto$ 1;ollowing
Governments so far significd intention presenting oral stütement their
belialf Union Soutl-i Afric:~and Philippine Republic ....
Alarch 23rd, 1950.
10189 . eginniiig Tuesday sixteentli May ten thirty am. Court
will hold public meetings to hear oral statements advisory case con-
cerning international status South-\Vest Africa stop Following Govern-
ments have submitted written statements Egypt Union of South
Africa U.S.A. India Polancl stop Following request Roarcl Directors
International T-eague Rights of hlan Court çtated prepared receive
from League before April tenth wntten statement stofi Following
Governments so far signified intention presenting oral statement their
bchaIf Union Soutfi Africa and Philippine Republic oral statement
also to be presented behalf Secretary-General United Nations.
31, LE GREFFII;1I .4UMlMISTRË DES rWFAIRES ETRANGÈKES
D'AFGHANISTAN
24 inars 1950-
AIonsieur le Ministre,
A la date du 30 décembre 1949, j'ai transmis à Votre Excellence
la copie de la résolution par laquelle l'Assembléegénéraledes Nations
1 The same communicatioiiwas also sent ttheGovernmcnts of the Philippine
Kepublic andof the Unitctl States of America.
Cette communicationa dtd:ulress&c B toules Étatadmis 5 ester dcvantla
Cour.Unies a demandé à la Cour internationale de Justice un avis consultatif
sur le statut international du Sud-Ouest africain. Je vous ai également
fait savoir que ladate d'expiration du délai dans lequel la Cour était
disposée à recevoir des exposés écrits en cette affaire avait étéfisée
au 20 mars 1950.
J'ai aujourd'hui l'honneur de vous faire connaître que, dans ce
délai, des exposés écrits ont été présentés-par les Gouvernements de
l'Égypte, de l'Union sud-africaine, des Etats-Unis d'Amérique, de
l'Inde et de la Pologne. T70usvoudrez bien trouver ci-joint [sous pli
séparé] un volume imprimé où çe trouvent reproduits les exposés '
dont il s'agit, ainsi que le bordereau des documents que le Secrétaire
général desNations Unies a joints à la demande d'avis aux termes
de l'article 65, paragraphe 2, du Statut 2.
A la suite d'une démarche du Comité de direction de la Ligue inter-
national~ des Droits de l'Homme, la Cour s'est déclaréedisposée à
recevoir de cette ligue,avant le IO avril 1950, I'exposéécrit des ren-
seignements susceptibles de l'éclairer dans l'examen des questions
juridiques que l'Assemblée générale des Nations Unies lui a posées,
ses renseignements devant se limiter à ces questions juridiques, sans
comporter l'exposé de faits dont l'appréciation n'est pas soumise à
la Cour. Je ne manquerai pas de VOUS communiquer, en temps voulu,
copie de l'exposé écrit que la Ligue présenterait dans ces conditions.
J'ai également l'honneur de vous faire connaître que la Cour tiendra,
à partir du mardi 16 mai 19j0, à IO h. 30, des audiences pour entendre
les exposés oraux qui seront présentés au nom du Secrétaire général
des Nations Unies et des gouvernements qui désireraient le faire :
le Gouvernement de l'Union sud-africaine et Ie Gouvernement des
Philippines m'ont fait connaître que telle était leur intention.
Au cas où il entrerait clans les intentions de votre Gouverneme~tt
de participer à la procédure orale, je vous serais obligéde bien vouloir
m'en informer aussitôt que possible, de préférence par télégramme,
et au plus tard le samedi 6 mai 1950 ; j'attacherais du prix 5 connaître
en mêmetemps le nom de lapersonne que votre Gouvernement désigne-
rait comme son représentant, et à savoir en quelle langue l'exposé
sera présenté.Je rappelle à cet égard à Votre Excellence que les langues
officielles de la Cour sont le français et l'anglais, d'autres langues
pouvant Ctre empIoyées sur autorisation de la Cour, 5 la condition
que la partie intéressée prenne toutes dispositions pour assyrer la
traduction en l'r~ne ou l'autre des lai~gues officielles (Statut, artic39,
paragraphe 3 ; Règlement, article 58, paragraphe 2).
Veiiillez agréer, etc.
32. THE KEGISTRAK TO THE SECKETARY-GESEKAL OF THE UNI'i'EI) NATiClh'S
24th March, 1950.
Sir,
1Vit.h refererice to the recluest for an advisory opinion transmitted
to the Court under the Resolution of the General Assembly of the United
Nations of 6th December, 1949, 1 have the honour to send herewith,
Voir pl).67-154
U 10-35. for your information, five copies of a volume coiitaining tiic printed
test of the observations presented by the governments in regard to
this question (international ctatiis of South-\Vest Afril.These Govcrn-
ments are : Egypt, the Union of South Africa, the Unitecl States of
America, India and Poland.
These observations have been communicated u~idcr Article 66,
paragraph 4, of the Court's Statute, to States which have sent in such
staternents, and also, for their information,to the other States whicli
had received the speciûl nncl direct communication mentioned in para-
graph 2 of the same article, that is to Say, to al1 the other States
entitled to appear before the Court.
Following a request by tlie Board of Directors of the International
League for the Rights of Man, the Court stated that it was prepared to
receive from the League bcfore 10th ApriI, rgjo, a written statement
of the information which was IikeIy to assist itin considering the legal
questions which the General Assembly put to the Court, and that such
information should confiiie itself to these lega1 questions, and should
not include a statement of facts which the Court had not beeii asked
to consider. 1shall not fail to communicate to you in due course a copy
of the written statement submitted by the League under these terms.
1 further have the lionour to inform you that beginning on Tuesday,
16th May, 1950, at 10.30 a.m., the Court will hold public meetings in
order to Iiear the oral stateirie~its which will be prcsented on behalf
of the Secretary-Ge~ieral of the United Nations and of such govern-
ments as may wish to do so: the Government of the Union of South
Africa and the Governmerit of the Philippine Republic have infomed
me that such is their intention.
1 have, etc.
33. LE REPRÉSEXTAXT IIU SECKÉTAIRE GÉSÉHAL DES FATIOXS UNIES
AU GREFFIER
24 mars 1950.
Monsieur le Greffier,
J'ai l'honneur d'accuser rbception de votre communication d'après
laquelie la Cour a fixéau IG mai 1950 le début de la procédure orale
dans l'affaire du statut ii-iternational du Sud-Ouest africain.
Je me permets de vous informer qu'avec la permission de la Cour,
je me propose de présenter un expose oral, au nom du Secrétaire général.
Je serai accompagné dc AIM. Alarc Schreiber et Blaine Sloan, du
Département juridique. ,
Veuillez agréer, etc.
(Sierié)IVAS S. I~EKNO,
.-.
Représentant du Secrétaire général.
l See pp.67-154.34. THE EXTERNAL AFFAlRS IiEPARTblENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
TO THE KEGISTRAR (telegram)
29034. Acki~owtedging receipt of your telegram No. 10189 dated
25th Marcil 1950 Government of India would also like to be given
opportunity for making oral statement they will be grateful to be
inforrned when their turn for being heard is likely to be reached.-
FOREIGN,
35. THE KEGISTRAR TO THE EXTERNAL A1;FAIKS DEPARTMENT OF THE
GOVERNMENT OF IXDIA (telegram)
1020$. Your cable 29034 preçence represeiitatives for oralhearings
~vould be necesçary from May fifteenth probably four or five days.
36. THE MIKISTER OF THE UNIO?~ OF SOUTH AFRICA AT THE HAGUE TO
THE REGISTRAR
Sir,
1 have the honour to acknowledge thereceipt of your Ietter No.10187
of 24th March, 1950, in connexion with the request of the General
Assembly of the United Nations ior an advisory opinion on the inter-
natiorial status of South-West Africa.
A copy of the prjnted volume containing the statements of the
Governments of Egypt, the Union of South Africa, the United States
of America, India and Poland and a list of the documents which the
Secretary-General of the United Nations appended to the request for .
opinion in accordance with Article 65,paragraph 2, of the Statute has
been forwarded to the Secretary for External Affairs in Cape Town.
In regard to the oral heari~ig beginning on Tuesday, 16th May, 1950,
at 10.30am., 1 have to state thatmy Government intends to participate. .
Provisionally itis expected that my Government \vil1be represented
by Dr. L. C. Steyn, K.C., Senior Law Adviser of the Department of
Justice, Pretoria, azsisteby Dr. L. Wessels, Law Adviser of the same
Department. As soon as definite information in this regard is received
and also in connexion with the language in which the statement will
be made, 1 will not fail to communicate with you again.
1 have, etc. ,
(Signed) D. B. BOSMAN,
hlinister. 37. L'A~~BASÇ~IDEUK DE BELGIQUE A I,A HAYE AU GREFFIER
XS mars 1950.
Nonsieur le Greffier,
J'ai l'honneur d'accuser la réceplion de votre offidu 24 mars 19j0,
no 10187 ,ar lequel vous avezbien voulu me faire tenir des exemplaires
des exposés écrits présentésà la Cour internatioiiale de Justice sur le
statut du Sud-Ouest africain.
Mon Gouvernement m'ayant fait savoir, iy a un mois, qu'il étudiait
I'opportuniti: pour la Belgique de prendre part aux débats, je porte
à sa connaissance que sa participation éventuelle à la procédure orale
doit vous êtrenotifice, auplus tard, le6 mai prochain.
Si tel était le cas, son exposé serait dvidemrnent fait en français,
seule langue clipiomatique du Gouvernement belge.
Veuillezagréer, etc.
Pour 1'Ambassadeur :
le Conseiller de l'ambassade,
.(Siglzé)P. I'OSIVICK.
38. THE CHARG D'AFI'.IKI:S 01; THE AUSTKALIAN 1,EGATION .4T THE
HAGUE TO THE REGISTRAR
March 28th, 1950.
Sir,
In reply to your letter of 24th ÏiTar1950 ,eceipt of which is acknow-
ledged ivith thanks, 1 have the honour to inforrn you that Australia
does not propose tointervene in ttie matter of the request for an advisory
opinion 011the iiiternntionalstatus of tlic Territory of South-IVest
-4frica.No written or oral statement will thereforebe presenied on
behalf of the Australinii Govenment.
1 have, etc.
(Sigwed)P. R. HEYDOS,
Chargé d'Affaires a.i.
39. THE ASSISTANT S1:CKETARY-GENERAL IN CHARGE OF THE LEG:iL
I)EPAKlhl1:NT, UNITED NATIONS, 7'0 THE REGISTRAR
March pst, 1950.
Sir,
1 wish to refer io my letterLEC 46/05(3) MS dated March zo, 19j0,
in which I informecl you thnt clociirnents the question of Soutli-West
dfrica have heen forwarded to the Coiirt. Tlie classified list of United
Nations documcnlsl mcntionecl in that letter lias now been prepnred
and is being air-mailetl tyou under separate cover.
1 have, etc.
(Siglzed)DR. VAN S. KERXO,
Assistant Secretary-General
in charge of the Legal Department.
l See pp. 10-35.336 TROISIÈ~IE PARTIE. - CORRESPOSDASCE
40. LE MINISTRE DES AFFAIRES ÉTKANGÈRES DU LUXEMBOURG AU
GREFFIER
31 mars 1950.
Monsieur le Greffier,
J'ai l'honneur d'accuser réception de votre obligeante lettre no 10187
du 24 mars 1950 concernant 1%question du statut internationaldu
Sud-Ouest africain et j'ail'honneur de vous informer que le Gouver-
nement du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg n'a pas l'intention de présenter
un exposéoral dans cette affaire.
Veuillez agréer, etc.
(Signé)BECH.
41. THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE OP THE UNITED STATES OF AMEKICA
l'OTHE REGISTRAIC
Mrirch 3rst, 1950.
Sir,
The receipt is acknowledged of your cornmunicatio~.i 10187 dated
March 24, Igjo, notifying the Government of the United States of
America that beginning on Tuesday, May 16, 1950, the International
Court of Justicewill hold public meetings in order to hear oral staternents
on the question of the international status of South-West Africa, and
requesting that you be informed as soon as possible, and at the latest
by Saturday, May 6, 19j0, if this Government intends to participate
in the oral procecdingsIhave the honour to inform you that the Govern-
ment of the United States does not intend to present any oral statement
at that time concerning the question which the General Assembly on
December 6, 1949, submitted to the International Court of Justice
for an advisory opinion.
Very, etc.
For the Secretary of State :
(Sigwe dD)RIANS. FISHER,
The Legal Adviser.
3 de abri1 de 1950.
Sefior E. Hambro,
Tengo la honra de avisar a usted recibo de su nota no 10187 de
24 de rnarzo ultimo refercnte a la opinion consultativa solicitada por
La Asamblea General de las Naciones Unidas a esa Honorable Corte
con respect0 al estatuto internacional de Sur-Oeste Africano, Io mismo
que del volumen impreso en el cual se reproducen las exposiciones por
escrito presentadas por 10s Gobiernos de Egipto, Union Sudafricana,
Estados Unidos deAmérica,India y Polonia, y el balance de los documen-
tos de la Secretaria General de las Naciones Unidas que incluye la
demanda de la opinion mencionada. PART III.-CORRESPOSDESCE 337
Quedo enterado de quc la Liga Iriternacional de los Derechos del
Hombre presenta1-5 tinaesposici6n por eçcrito,y de que la Corte tendra
audiencias a partir del 16 de mayo proximo para cscuchar las cxposi-
ciones orales que serin liresentadas en nombre de la Secretaria de las
Naciones Unidasy de losGobiernos que deseen hacerlo.
Al tomar debida nota de este ultirno punto, me pcrrnito infortiiar a
usted que mi Gobierno no tiene por ahora intencihn dc formulnr exposi-
cibn oral alguna al resyecto, y que en caso contrario avisari a ustcd
cablegraficamente antes del6 de mayo comunicAndole el nombre de la
persona que 10representara y el idioma en quela exposition seripresen-
tada.
De usted, etc.
(Signé [llisible.]
43.THE MIYISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND COMhl.IOWL!'EXI,TKHELr\TIOSS
OF 1':IKISTAN TO THE REGISTRAK
April 411, 1950.
Sir,
1am directed to ackiiowledgc receipt of your letter No.10187, dated
the 24th March, 1950, regarding the international statuof Soutli-West
Africa, and to Say thnt the Ciovernment of Pakistan do iiot propose to
participate in the oral proceeclings.
I have, etc.
(Sigfaed)FAKHA TLI,
for Secretary to the Government of Pakistan.
44. THE ESTERSAL AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT OF THE GOVERSLIEST OF
IND~A TO THE REGISTKAK (teEegram)
April 5t11,1950.
461 AFKi 29036. Your letter 10187 h3arch 24th stopOral proceeclings
regarding advisory opiiiioii on South-West Africa stop Indin's relire-
sentative will beShree B. N. lZau sto$This is however subject to con-
finnation stopStatemcnt will bemade iiiEnglis1i.-FOKE~GX.
45. THE MIKIÇTEK OP THE USION OF SOUTH AFRICA AT THE IIACUE 70
'CHE REGISTRAR
April jth, IgjO.
Sir,
1 hai-e the honour to rcfer to your IetterNo. 10187 of 24th JIarch,
1950 ,nd to infom y011 ttiat InyGovernment has now stated that the
Union of South Africa will be represented at the oral tiearingsby
Dr. L. C. Steyn, K.C., Senior T,aw Adviser of the Unioii Governnient.
He witl be assisted by Ilr. Louis Wesscls, Law Adviscr. Should circumstances nrise making it impossible for Ur. Steyn to
attend or niaking it necessary for him to leave The Hague before the
conclusion of the hearings, the Government wilI be represented by
Air. H. T. Andrews, rlrnbasçadar Estraordinary and Plenipotentiary
of the Union of Soiith Africa at Paris.
My Governmcnt has also intimated that the staternent will bc made
iri Englisl.
1 have, etc.
(Signed) D. 13. I~OS~IAN,
Miiiister.
---
46. THE SECKETAKY OP ESTEIIKAL AFFAIRS OF NEW ZEALANI~ TO THE
KEGISTRAR
tlpril 5th, rgjû.
Sir,
1 am directed by the Minister of External Affairs to ackiiowledge
receiyt ofyour letter ,1018 of724 March, ïgjo, concerniilg the action that
it is proposed to take by the International Court of justicc in connexion
with the advisor" op-nion on the international status of South-IVest
Africa.
1 have noted that writteii statements have been submitted by the
Gover~irnents of Egypt, tlie Union of South Africa, thc Unitcd States
of America, lndia and I'oland, and that a printed \rulume coritaining
tl-iese statements, togetlier with other documents providecl by the
Secretary-General of Unitcd Nations, has been forwarded under separate
cover.
In corinexiori with the determination of the Court to hold public
meetings as from 16 hlay, 1950, in, order to hear oral statenients which
will be presented on behalf of the Secretary-General of United Natioiis
and such other govcrnments as may wish to do so, 1 have the honour
to inforrnyou that the Government of hiem Zealand does iiot intend
to participate in thc oral procccciings.
1 have, etc.
(Sipzed) J. V. \\r~~S~~,
Secretary of Esternal -4ffairs.
6 rivril rgtjû.
Alonsieur le Ministre,
J'ai l'honneur (levous transmettre SOUS ce pli un ese~nplairc dc la
traduction en français et en anglais2, selon le cas, des exposes ccrits qui
ont étéprésentés,dans l'autre langue officielle de la Cour, en l'affaire
consultative qiiiü trai nii statut international du Sud-Ouest africain.
Ces traductions, qui ont éti:établiespar leGreffe à l'usage des membres
de la Cour, sont dépourvues de tont caractère officiel.
Veuillez agréer, etc.
--
La mêmecommunication a. étéadressée B touslesPtats qui ont présentédes
exposés écritou qui ont fait connaitrc leur intention (le prkentcr un exposé oral.
Son reproduite. 6 avril rgjo.
hlonsierir le Ministre,
RiIeréférantà l'Accord conclu le 26 juin i946 entre le Gouvernement
des Pays-Bas et la Cour internationale de Justice, j'ai l'honneur de
porter à la connaissaiicc de Votre Excellence que, dans l'affaire relative
au statut international du Sud-Ouest africain, le Gouvernement de
l'Union de l'Afrique du Sud a désignécornine représentants près la Cour
internationale de Justice :
M. leDr L. C. Steyn, K. C.,
Conseiller juridique principal du Goui~ernernerit,
assisté par :
M. le Dr L. \Vessels,
Conseiller juridique.
Veuillez agréer, etc.
49. LE ~IINIST~HE DES AFFAIRES ÉTRXKGÈRICS I3E 1;iIANCE AU GREFFIER
6 avril 1950.
Rlonsieur leGreffier,
J'ai l'honneur d'accuser réception et dc votis remercier de votre
lettre di1 24 mars dernier à laquelle était annexé le volume imprimé
contenant les exposés écrits présentéspar divers gouvernements à la
Cour à l'occasion de l'avis consultatif sur le statut international du
Sud-Ouest africain.
Je vous serais obligé,lorsqu'une traduction française, même officieuse,
de ces documents aura été faite, de bien vouloir m'en adresser cinq ou
six exemplaires.
Veuillez agréer, etc.
Le Ministre pléiiipotentiaire
Directeur du SecrCtnriat des Conférences,
(Sigizé)O. BRO~STRA.
50. LE SECRÉTAIRE D'ÉTAT .A.t.DES KEI.:~TIONS EXTI~KIEUK DEHIIÏTIAU
GREFFIER
S avril 1950.
Monsieur le Greffier,
J'aibien requ votre lettre du 24 mars écoiilé,no 10187, par laqueIle
vous m'annoncez l'envoi d'un volume imprimé où se trouvent,reproduits
les exposés écrits présentéçpar Ies Gouvernements de I'Egypte, de
l'Union sud-africaine, des Etats-Unis d'Amérique, de l'Inde et de la
Pologne coiicernant l'avis consultatif sollicité de laCour internationale
de Justice sur le statut international du Sud-Ouest africain. J'ai noté également que la Cour tiendra,à partir du mardi 16 mai
1950, des audiences pour entendre les exposés oraux que voudraient
faire certains gouvernements et que les Gouvernements de l'Union
sud-africaine et des Philippines ont fait connaître que telle était leur
intention.
C'est pour moi l'occasion de vous informer que, sur cette question,
le Gouvernement haïtien ne compte présenter aucun expose oral.
Recevez, etc.
(Signé I,OUIS RAYMOND,
Secrétaire d'État a. i.
51. THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY-GENERA IL CHARGE OF THE LEGAL
DEPARTMENT, UNITED NATIONS, TO THE REGISTRAR
April ~oth, 1950.
Sir,
1have the honour to transmit to the Court for whatever action may
be considered appropriate a letter from R. N. .Swale to the Secretary-
General requesting that he be heard aa witness inthe advisory proceed-
ings concerning the international status of South-West Africa.
1 have, etc.
(Signed) IVANS. KERNO,
Assistant Secretary-Gencral
in charge of the Legal Department.
Annex to No. 51
Mi+. R.H. SWALE TO THE SECRETARY-GEKER AL THE UKITED NATIONS
Johannesburg, January zoth, 1950.
Sir,
I have the honour to offer my services asa witness before the Court
to be held at The Hague, before fifteen judges, to decide whether the
mandate of the ex-German mandated Territory of South-West Africa
shall be granted to the Government of the Union of South Africa, or
whether the mandate of that Territory shali be granted to an inter-
national committee.
1 claim to be heard as a witness before the said Court because 1am
a chiefof the Zulus in South Africa.
Because 1 raised the natives of German South-lest Africa in rebellion
against the Germans in 1903 known as the Herero rebellion.
The Germans never had an opportunity to arrest me for thiscrime
while I was negotiating with the native chiefs, becauseIcarried on al1
my negotiations with them from British Bechuanaland. 1 never went
further west than Haakskeen Pan, near Rietfontein, in British territory,
wIiere 1 got in touch with Jacob hlasengo, one of the leaders in the
subsequent rebellion, who lived near there, and then with Hendrik
Witbooi. PART III.-CORRESPOSDENCE 34I
Recause 1 know more of the reasonabIe wants and &hes of the
native population of the mandated Territory of South-West Africa thari
anyone else, I claim a right to be heard ontheir behrtlf.
1 have, etc.
(Signed) R. H. SWALE.
13 de abri1 de 1950.
Sefior Secretario,
Con referencia a la atenta nota de Vuestra Seiïoria no 10187, de
fecha 24 de marzo iiltimo, cumplo con poner en su conocimiento de
que el Gobierno peruano no participara en el proceso oral sobre el
estatuto internacional del Sud-Oeste Africano.
Aprovecho la oportunidad, etc.
(Signé)ERNESTO RODRIGUEZ,
I\.linistro de Kelaciones Exteriores.
53. THE REGISTRAR TO THE MINISTBR FOR FOREIGN AFF-AIRS OF HONDURAS
April qth, 1950.
Sir,
1 have the honour to ackno~vledgereceipt of your letter of 3rd ApriI,
1950, informing the International Court ofJustice that the Government
of the Republic of Honduras does not intend to present an oral statement
on the question of the international status of South-West Africa, and
will notify the Court by cablegram before 6th May, 1950, if it should
modify its decision in this respect.
Regarding the language in which communications are to be sent and
presented to the International Court of Justice, 1 wisli to remind you
that the official languages of the Coi~rtare Englirh and French.
1 have, etc.
14 avril 1950.
Monsieur le Ministre,
Par sa lettre en date du6 avril 1950 (Secrétariat des Conférences227)
Votre ExceIIence a bien voulu accuser la réception du volume imprimé
contenant les exposésécritsprésentésà la Cour par divers gouvernements
à L'occasionde l'avis consultatif sule statut international du Sud-Ouest
africain, et m'a demandé de lui faire parvenir cinq ou six exemplaires
de la traduction, mêmeofficieuse, de ces documents en français.
En réponse, j'ai l'honneur de vous faire savoir que, d'ordinaire, les
traductions sont établies iil'usage des membres de la Cour. J'ai l'honneur de transmettre à Votre Excellence sixexemplaires des
traductionsa des esposés qui ont étéprésentés.Je dois cependant attirer
votre attention sur le fait que ces traductions iie présentent aucun
caractère officiel.
\'eiiillez agréer, etc.
55. THE KEGISTR.4K TO MT. K. H. S\VAI.IC
April 17tli, 1950.
Sir,
Your letter of January zoth, 1950 ,ddressed to the Secretary-General
of the United Nations has just reached me.
On the instructions of the President of the Court, 1 have the honour
to inform you that the request for. an advisory opinion concerning the
international status of the Territory of South-West Africa irivolves only
legal questions. Itis therefore betieved that it will not be necessary to
cal1 vitr ries during the hearings.
1 have, etc.
---
56. THI: REGISTRAR TO THE ASSISTANT SECRETAHY-GEXIIKAL IS CHARGE
01: THE LEGAL DEPARTXIEXT, UNITED NATIOSS
April 17th 1950,
Sir,
1 liave the Iionour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of
April ~olh, 1950, ref.1,EG 46/0j(5)/BS, with the enclosed letter from
R. H. Swale.
1 have, etc.
57. LE CIiEFFIER AU SECRÉTAIKE GÉNÉRAI. I>ES NATIONS UNI ES^
27 avril 1950.
ilionsieur lc Secrétaire général,
Me référantà ma lettreno 10208 en date du 24 mars 1950, relative a
la demande d'avis consultatifadresséeà la Cour par l'Assembléegénérale
des Nations Unies sur le statut international du Sud-Ouest africain,
j'ni l'honneur,à titred'iiiformation, de porter à votre connaissance
qu'aucun document n'a été dépozé au Greffe de la Cour, par la Ligue
interriationale des Droitsde l'Homme, dans le délai qui lui avait été
imparti h cet effet à la suite d'une démarche du Comité de direction de
ladite ligue.
Veuillez agréer, etc.
Son reproduites.
Cour.ttc communication a étéadresséeitous les lltats adrnis à cster devant la58. THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMEKT OF FOKEIGP; AFFAIRS OF THE
PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC TO THE REGISrRhR (telegram)
1053. KeurIet Marcl-i twenty-fourth have honour infonn that Judge
.José Ingies will represent Philippine Government in oral proceedings
hefore. Intercourt on international status South-West Africa.-
SECNE'TAF RYIREIGN AFFAIRS.
59. THE EMBASSY OF INDIA AT THE HAGUE TO THE KEGISTRY
May 6th 1950,
The Embassy of India presents itscompliments to the Registry
of the InternationaI Court of Justice at The Hague and has the honour
to confirm that Shri B. N. Rau, India's Permanent Representative
to the United Nations, will represent India at the oral proceedings
iri the advisory case on the international statusof South-West Africa
commencing on 16th May, Ig50.
2.The Embassy would appreciate receiving an up-to-date set of
relevant papers, and requests the Registry to keep it informed with
regard to detaiis,etc.,concerning the programme to be observed in
connexion mith this case.
Embassy of India,.The Hague.
The Registry of the International Court of Justice presents its
compliments to the Embassy of India and has the honou~ to acknow-
ledge receipt of its note No. rg/5/50-G of May 6th, 1950, confirming
that Shri i3.N. Rau, I'ndia's Permanent Representative to the United
Nations, will represent lndia at the oral proceedings in the adi~isory
case concerning the international status of South-Ll'estAfrica.
In reply to paragraph 2 of the note, the Registry hopes that the
two complete sets of documents which were sent to the Embassy
have duty arrived, and is pleased to send herewith a flirtlier complete
set of the relevant documents i11this case. In accordance with the
wishes of the Embassy, the Kegistry will not fail to keep it informed
concerning subsequent procedure.
The Hague, May gth, 1950.
61. Mr. ASHER LANS, COUNSEL TO THE INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE FOR THE
RIGHTS OF hlhN, TO THE REGISTRAR
May gth, 1950.
Dear Mr. Hambro,
As counsel to The International Lcague for the Rights of Man, 1
herewith request the International Court of Justice to permit the
Rev. n'lichael Scott, of Great Rritaiand either Gordon F. Muirhead,
25344 TROISIÈME PARTIE. - CORRESPONDANCE
Esq., of the Bar of Great Britain, orJérôme Saueru-ein, Escl., of the
Bar of France, to inake an oral presentation before the Court, in the
advisory opinion proceedings regarding the status of South-West
Africa on behalf of the International League for the Rights of Man.
The Rev. Michael Scott was accredited to the Trusteesliip Council
and the Fourth Cornmittee of the Assembly of the United Nations
and testified before both said bodies in December, 1949, as a con-
sultant on behalf of The International League for the Rights of Man.
The League itself has officia1 consultative status in Category "B"
before the organs of the United Nations.
The Rev. hlichael Scott has a unique persona1 knowledge of the
Iegal and factual situations pertaining to the present proceeding.
1 should appreciate if you would reply directly to me at 37, Wall
Street, New York 5, New York.
Wonld you please cable your reply collect both to Rev. Michael
Scott, clo Friends International Center, 32, Tavistock Square, London,
W.C.I., England, and to me. My cable address is "Simash", New York.
Respectfully, etc.
(Signed) ASHERLANS.
May roth, 19jo.
The Embassy of India presents its compliments to the ,Registry
of the International Court of Justice and, with reference to its note
No. 15/5/50-G, dated 6th May, 1950, has the honour to state that
India will not ~iow present an oral statement in the advisory case
concerning the international status of South-West Africa as previously
notified.
Embassy of India, The Hague.
63, THE DEPUTY-REGISTRAR TO THE MIXISTER OF THE UNIOW OF
SOUTH AFRICA AT THE HAGUE
May roth, 1950.
Sir,
Ihave the honour to inform you that hy a note dated hlay 10th;1950,
the Embassy of India at The Hague has advised the Registry of the
International Court of Justice that India will,not now present an oraI
statement in the advisory case concerning the international status of
South-West Africa, as previously notified.
1 have, etc. PART III.-CORltl3SPOSDENCE 345
IO mai 1950.
Monsieur le Ministre,
Ale référant à l'Accord conclu le 26 juin 1946 entre le Gouvernement
des Pays-Bas et la Cour internationale de Justice, j'ai l'honneur de
porter à la connaissance de Votre Excellence que, dans l'affaire relative
au statut international du Sud-Ouest africain, le Gouvernement des
Philippines a dkignk comme ~ep~ésentant prEs IriCour internationale
de Justice :
Al. le juge José Ingles,
Membre de la délégationpermanente des Philippines auprès
des Nations Unies.
Veuillez agréer, etc.
65. THE DEPUTY-REGISTRAR TO THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SECRETARY-
GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS'
May ~zth, 1950.
Sir,
I have the honour to inform you that the International Court of
Justice will sit on Tuestlay, May 16th, 1950, at II a.in., to begin the
hearing of the statements to be subrnitted by you and by governments
on the question before the Court for advisory opinion concerning the
international status of Soutli-IfTest Africa.
The President of thc: Court will be glad if you will kindly cal1on him
in his room at the Peace Palace :it IO a.m. or1the above date.
The Governments of the lollowing countries have announced their
wish to be heard by tllc Court on the above siibject :
The Union O# Sozith Africa
represented by Dr. L. C. Steyn, K.C., Senior Law Adviser of the
Department of Justice, Pretoria ;
assisted by Dr. L. IVessels, Law Adlriserof the same Depart-
ment.
The RefizrblicO/ the Phili##iries
represented by Judgc José Ingles, hlember of the Permanent .
Delegation of the Philippines to the United Nations.
The Government of India, which had previously signified its intention
of presenting an oral statement, subsequeiitly infomed the Court that
it was nlthdrawing from the oral proceedings.
1 have, etc.
l The same communication was also sent to the rcprcscntativof thePhilip-
pine Republicand ofthe UriionofSouth i\fricn. May ~zth, 1950.
10628. Reference your letter hlay 9 regarding advisory case Soutli-
West Africa sto$On hlarch 16 Icabled Delson Levin Gordon 270 Broad-
way who on behalf your League hnd requested to be admitted to furnish
information in above-mentioned case that Court was prepared to
receivc from them before hpril 10 written statement confinecl to legal
questions stop 1 added that Court did not contempIate resorting further
to your League in present case stop Xo other decision having been taken
by the Court the oral proceedings shall only comprise statements bgr
representative Secretary-General United Xations and representatives
goïernments ~vhich asked to be heard sdo@ Same information wired to
lifichael Scott stop -4s concerns written statement mentioned above 1
can add that none was received from your League within prescribed
time-limit semicolon letter to you on that subject aimailed to-day.
67. THE DEPUTY-REGISTRAR TO MT.ASHER LANS, COUNSEL TO THE INTER-
NATIONAL 1,EAGUE FOR THE RIGHTS OF MAN
May ~ztli, I~O.
Sir,
Ireceived to-day by air mail, in the same envelope as your letter of'
May gth, 1950, tu which I ançwered by cable,a pamphlet entitled
Stcltementon behalf of the Inter~zational Leagziefor theRights of Man1.
Forty-five additional copies of the same pamphlet arrived also to-day,
as printed matter, by air mail.
The firm of Delson, Levin & Gordon had requested the Court, in
the name of your League, to be allowed to give information in the
advisory case concerning the international statuç of South-West Africa.
They were advised by cable dated March ~hth, 1950, that the Court
was prepared to receive from them, before April ~oth, 1950, a writteii
statement on the legal aspect of the question. Since the parnylilet
referred to abore was not deposited within that time-limit, 1 am sorry
to be unable to include it in the proceedings.
Moreover, as a. mritter of form, 1 cal1 your attention to the fact that
your letter of May gth, 1950 m,ade no reference to the pamphlet enclosed
iri the same envelope. Also, this pamphlet beariiosignature for authenti-
cation, although it does bear the printed names of the International
League for the Kights of Man and of several American, British and
French lawyers, including that of Mr. Robert Delson, vlho first applied
to the Court on the mntter.
Relieve me. etc.
l Xot reproduced.68. THE REGISTKAK TO THE REPRESBNTATIVE OF THE SECKETARY-GENBKAL
0,F THE UNITED NATIONS
May Ijth, 1950.
Sir,
According to Article 60, paragraph 3, of the Rules of Court :
".A transcript of speeches or declarations made hy agents, counsel
or advocates shall be made nvailabfe to them for correction or
revision, under the supervision of the Court",
a provision;il transcript of each hearing is communicated without
clelay to al1 concerned.
1 should lie obliged ifj70u would inform me whether you intend to
avail yourself of the right accorded you by this provision, in so far as
roncerns the statements which you make. Should your reply be in the
affirmative, 1 should be grateful if you would let me have any correc-
tions you may make as soon as possible after the hearing at which you
have spoken and, in any case, before you leave The Hague.
Thanking you in atlvance, etc.
69. THE REGIÇTKAK TO THE REPKBSENTI\TIVE OF THE SECKETARY-GENERAL
OF THE UNITED NATIONS
'The Registrar of the lnternationai Court of Justice has the honour
to inform the representative of the Secretary-General of the United
Nations, that the Court will hold a public liearing to-morrow, Tuesday,
May 23rd, at 10.30 a.m., to hear the supplementary explanations which
the representative of the Union of South Afrir:a haç declared that he
is ready to furnish.
The Hague, May zznd, 1950.
THE REGlSTRAR TO 'THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SECRETARY-GEKEKAL
70.
OF THE UNITED NIITIONS '
June 5th, 1950.
Sir,
1 have the honour to send you, under separate cover, three copies
of the preliminary volume printed for the use of the rnembers of the
Court in the case for advisory opinion concerning the international
status of South-West Africa. This volume contains the text of the
stenographic record, duly corrected by the speakers, of the pleadings
wliich took place from May 16th to 23rd, 19502.
1 have, etc.
The same comrnunicatinn\vas also sent tthe rcpresentativeof thePhilip-
pi3eScepp.i160-3x7.f thUnion of SouthAfrica.71. THE REGISTRAK TO THE REPKESENTATIVE OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
OF THE UNITED NATIONS1
July 6th, 1950.
Sir,
1 have the honour to inform you that the Court has fixed Tuesday,
July rrth, 1950, at 10.30 am., for the reading of its advisory opinion
in the case concerning the international status of South-West Africa.
1 have, etc.
II juillet 1950.
Monsieur le Secrétaire général,
J'ai l'honneur de vous transmettre, sous ce pli, à destination de
l'Assemblée générale desNations Unies, l'expédition scellée et signée
de l'avis consultatif rendu à la date du II juillet rgjo, par la Cour inter-
nationale de Justice, en l'affaire concerriant l'interprétatiori du statut
du Sud-Ouest africain 2.
Veuillez agréer, etc.
Le Greffier de la Cour a l'honneur de transmettre, sous pli séparé,
un exemplaire certifiéconforme de l'avis consultatif rendu par triCour
internatioiiale de Justice en l'affaire relative à l'interprétation di1statut
international du Sud-Ouest africain a.
D'autres exemplaires seront expédiés ultérieurement par la voie
ordinaire.
La Haye, le20 juillet 1950.
The same communication >vas alsu sent tu therepresentativesof the Philip-
pine Repubtic and of theUnion of South Africa.
2 Voir publicationsde la Coiir: Kecticil des .4vv&ts, Avis co.i~sultet Ordon-
naMces1950,pp. 128-219.
3 Cette communication a étéadressée a tous tes lztatsadmis à ester devant la
Cour.
Correspondence