Use of Force and Related Problems

In accordance with what I stated at the outset, the reason why I decided to vote in favour of the first part of the Judgment's dispositif is that I consider it of utmost importance, and a matter of principle, for the Court to pronounce itself on questions of the threat or use of force in international relations whenever it is given the opportunity to do so. In this regard, the desirable standard of vigour and clarity was set already in the Corfu Channel case where the Court condemned a right to self—help by armed force claimed by the United Kingdom “as the manifestation of a policy of force, such as has, in the past, given rise to most serious abuses and such as cannot, whatever be the present defects in international organization, find a place in international law”. Unfortunately, in the somber light of developments over the 50 years that have passed since the Corfu Channel case, but more particularly in the recent past, this statement of the Court shows traits of a prophecy.