HC Deb 09 February 1944 vol 396 cc1744-5
6. Captain Gammans

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any statement to make on the terms under which the U.S.A. Government will construct a pipe-line from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean; and if, in particular, it means that the U.S.A. will acquire sovereignty over the territory occupied by the pipe-line and the employer will enjoy extra territorial privileges.

Mr. Eden

I have no statement to make on this subject at present. So far as my information goes, this project is at present in a very preliminary stage, and before it is developed it will no doubt be for the United States Government to approach the other Governments concerned.

Mr. Shinwell

Although this project is only in its preliminary stages, ought not the British Government to be consulted in a matter which so profoundly concerns the interests of this country and the Commonwealth?

Mr. Eden

Yes, Sir. I am expecting a report from His Majesty's Ambassador in Washington on the subject.

Mr. Colegate

Would not my right hon. Friend consider making a statement as soon as possible on the work of the Foreign Oil Concessions Committee of the United States? There are a great many rumours.

Mr. Eden

It is not for me to make a statement of that kind.

Mr. Molson

Can my right hon. Friend say whether it will be necessary to get the concurrence of the British Government before the pipe-line is laid?

Mr. Eden

This project, as I have said, is in its early stages. It is quite obvious that before it comes to fruition, consultations will be necessary with all the Governments concerned.

Mr. Shinwell

As this is an extremely important matter may I ask a further question? If consultations have taken place between our Ambassador in the United States and representatives of the Governments concerned, will the right hon. Gentleman inform the House as to what has happened?

Mr. Eden

As soon as I have received the report from the Ambassador I will consider what further statement I can make. I can assure the House that this matter is in its preliminary stages. Obviously, many negotiations of all sorts and kinds have to take place before the scheme comes to fruition.