CONFIDENTIAL
FCO SPOKESMAN: FRIDAY 27 JUNE, 2145 BST
ICJ JUDGMENT: US/NICARAGUA
1.
We have only just received the text of the judgment in this case. The Court has obviously considered the case very carefully and has reviewed thoroughly the evidence and facts presented to it.
2.
The Court has now delivered a reasoned and detailed judgment. It is lengthy and will require careful study. Our reaction to it will reflect our adherence to the rules of international law which
is fundamental to our foreign policy.
3. For many years we have accepted the jurisdiction of the Court and have invariably accepted its judgments in cases to which the UK was a party. We believe it plays a valuable role in international
relations.
4. We note that the Court's decision is confined to customary international law and the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation between the US and Nicaragua. We note that the Court was almost unanimous over its findings with respect to the Treaty and that there was a substantial majority with respect to customary
international law.
JF LAAA
CONFIDENTIAL