HC Deb 14 March 1945 vol 409 cc207-9
8. Mr. Stokes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why Syria and the Lebanon have not been invited to the San Francisco Conference, in view of the fact that they are at war with Germany and their independence is recognised by most of the United Nations, including France; and whether he is aware that Saudi Arabia has been invited without declaring war.

11. Major-General Sir Edward Spears

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that Syria and the Lebanon are recognised as sovereign and independent by all the convening Powers and have declared war on Germany, invitations will be sent to them to be represented at the San Francisco Conference.

Mr. Eden

The invitations to the San Francisco Conference are being issued by the United States Government on behalf of itself, the Soviet and Chinese Governments and His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom. Invitations have been issued to all those States which were United Nations at the time of the Crimea Conference or whose adherence to the United Nations Declaration was accepted by 1st March. The Governments of Syria and the Lebanon declared war on Germany and Japan on 27th February, and their appli- cations to adhere to the United Nations Declaration are at present under consideration in accordance with established procedure. Applications by the two States to be invited to the San Francisco Conference are also under consideration. There is nothing further which I can say at present. The last part of the Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Ipswich (Mr. Stokes) is inexact, since Saudi Arabia declared herself to be in a state for war with Germany and Japan on 28th February and her adherence to the United Nations Declaration has been formally accepted.

Mr. Stokes

The right hon. Gentleman says that Saudi Arabia declared war on 28th February and that the two States applied on 27th February. Why has Saudi Arabia been accepted, while the other two have not?

Mr. Eden

I have said that the matter of these two States is under consideration between the inviting Powers. It is obvious that I cannot make a statement now except after consultation with the other Powers. As regards Saudi Arabia, His Majesty's Government felt themselves to be under a special obligation because it was at our suggestion in 1943 that Saudi Arabia did not declare war.

Sir E. Spears

When the matter is being considered, will my right hon. Friend remember that these two States were told by our Ambasador in Cairo that if they supported and joined the Allies they would enjoy all the advantages of free countries which are associated with the United Nations?

Mr. Eden

I do not know what document my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to. This is a matter which does not concern only His Majesty's Government.

Sir E. Spears

This is an assurance from our Ambassador in Cairo.

Commander Sir Archibald Southby

Is it not a fact that these two States have been recognised as sovereign and independent by all the great Powers? They are now at war with our enemies, and is there any reason, in justice or in equity, why they should not be invited to the San Francisco Conference?

Mr. Eden

I have told my hon. and gallant Friend that the matter is being considered. Those invited to the Conference are the United Nations and the associated Powers, with the addition of Saudi Arabia, for the very good reason I have just given.

Commander Aģnew

Has my right hon. Friend good reason to believe that the consultations will be completed in time so that if a favourable decision is reached these two States can attend the Conference?

Mr. Eden

Yes, Sir; certainly.

9. Mr. Lipson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what independent States which have declared war on Germany have not been invited to send representatives to the San Francisco Conference and for what reasons.

Mr. Eden

Italy and certain former European satellites of the Axis have declared war on Germany, but they are not United Nations and have therefore not been invited to the San Francisco Conference. Syria and the Lebanon form a special case which, as I have just explained, is at present under consideration between the inviting Governments.

Mr. Lipson

Will my right hon. Friend take note of the desires of Syria and Lebanon and their interest in this matter?

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