HC Deb 02 July 1951 vol 489 cc180-1W
67. Earl Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will now take further steps to endeavour to secure the passage of British tankers through the Suez Canal.

Mr. Ernest Davies

His Majesty's Government have taken all action which appeared open to them through the diplomatic channel, and we are still awaiting the Egyptian Government's reply to our latest representations. Meanwhile the matter may be discussed in the Security Council in connection with the report from the Chairman of the Mixed Armistice Commission to the Secretary-General of the United Nations dated 12th June. I understand that this report condemns the measures taken by the Egyptian Government as aggressive and contrary to the spirit of the Armistice Agreement. Our future action will depend in large measure on the outcome of these discussions in the Security Council.