§ 9. Mr. H. Fraserasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to which Middle Eastern States British armaments have been sold since the United Nations arms embargo was lifted in August, 1949.
§ Mr. Ernest DaviesLimited quantities of British armaments have been sold during the period in question to Egypt, Persia, Turkey, Iraq, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
§ Mr. FraserIn view of the fact that an embargo has been placed on the sale of arms by this country to Israel, will the Minister explain why such a unilateral embargo has been enforced?
§ Mr. DaviesThe position is not quite the same as regards Israel and the other countries. We have Treaty obligations towards Egypt, Iraq and Jordan.
§ Mr. Sydney SilvermanIt is, no doubt, true that we have Treaty obligations to supply arms to other countries and no such Treaty with regard to Israel, but what justification does that afford for placing an embargo on the sale of arms to Israel?
§ Mr. DaviesThe reason is that according to the best information available to us Israel already has sufficient war material for her internal security and defence.
§ Mr. JannerIs the Minister aware that public statements have been made by some of the countries he referred to that they propose to start further war in the Middle East, and will he ensure that the supply of this kind of arms is not continued so that they shall not carry out this threat?
§ Mr. DaviesNo, Sir. I cannot accept the statement of my hon. Friend that such statements have been made.