HC Deb 17 July 1946 vol 425 cc1224-6
Mr. Swingler

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the strike of 50,000 oil workers of the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company which led to bloodshed and disorder in Abadan on Sunday night, 14th July, what interruption has been caused in oil supplies from Southern Iran, and what action he has taken in respect of British interests.

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Ernest Bevin)

There has for some time been considerable political difficulty in Persia, which has had repercussions in the oil area of the South-West. A number of industrial factors have also contributed to the present situation in that area. The ostensible cause of the present strike appears to have been a demand for pay for the day of rest, Friday, by the Persian workers of the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company.

This matter was under negotiation in Tehran between the Persian Government, the Company and the Labour leaders, and was being dealt with under the provisions of the labour law recently passed by the Persian Government. This law prohibits strikes and lock-outs until certain procedures have been observed. Notwithstanding this, a general strike of the Persian workers began on 14th July. As disorder seemed imminent, martial law was declared in Abadan by the Persian authorities early in the morning on that date. On the evening of that day there was a clash between local political elements which resulted in casualties at present reported as 17 killed and 150 wounded.

I have had no reports of casualties among the British and Indian staff of the company. Some British members of the staff have, however, been confined to their houses by the strikers, but, as far as I know, they are receiving adequate supplies of provisions.

It has been made clear to the Persian Government that His Majesty's Government regard them as responsible for the safety of British lives and property. From reports so far received, it appears that there has been an interruption both in the flow of crude oil supplies to the refinery and in the refinery processes, but the exact extent is not yet fully known.

Mr. Warbey

Has the Foreign Secretary made any representations to the Persian Government regarding the repressive character of this new labour law, which seriously curtails the right to strike and would not be tolerated in this country in peacetime?

Mr. Bevin

I have not interfered with the Persian Government at all, and it is not my intention to do so. I think it is better for all other Governments to allow them to exercise their own powers.

Sir W. Smithers

Can the right hon. Gentleman say to what extent these troubles are caused by the intrigue and propaganda of the Soviet Government?

Mr. Bevin

I have not inquired into it.

Mr. Gallacher

In view of the situation which has developed, will the Foreign Secretary consider publishing the reports of the delegation sent over to study the trade union position?

Mr. Bevin

I will look into it, but I have not had time to read them myself. Since I became Minister of Labour, and while I have been Foreign Secretary, I have taken every step open to me to see that proper conditions are observed in the oil areas of Persia.

Mr. John Lewis

Would it be creating a precedent to make representations to a foreign Government where British interests are involved?

Mr. Bevin

It is not improper, but I think that when labour laws have been carried by the Government at the request of the workers in that country, I ought not to interfere.

Mr. Keeling

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company have the reputation of being the best employers in Persia?

Mr. Bevin

I am not prepared to say what is the best, but I am prepared to admit that in all companies in Persia there is room for improvement.