HC Deb 19 July 1950 vol 477 cc2252-3
35. Mr. Mikardo

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, now that the Egyptian Government have issued a statement concerning their attitude to events in Korea, he will make a further statement as to whether he proposes to discontinue the supply of arms to that country.

Mr. Younger

The statement made by the Egyptian Minister for Foreign Affairs on 11th July was disappointing in a number of respects. In particular, it confirms that the Egyptians still feel unable to associate themselves with the second resolution of the Security Council calling on members of the United Nations to render assistance to Southern Korea, from which they abstained.

The statement makes it clear, however, that the Egyptian Government, by voting in favour of the first resolution, join in condemnation of North Korean aggression. In these circumstances His Majesty's Government do not at the moment contemplate any change in their policy regarding the supply of arms to Egypt. The matter remains, however, under constant review.

Mr. Mikardo

Has the theory always been that we supply arms to the Egyptions to enable them to play their part in collective defence against aggression? Now that they have made it clear that they do not wish to play any part in collective defence under the United Nations, what possible justification can there be for our continuing the supply of arms?

Mr. Younger

I think it is right to say that it has been made clear by the Egyptian Minister for Foreign Affairs that the attitude of his Government related to this particular resolution, and should not be necessarily applied to any wider or different conflicts.

Mr. Eden

But is not the position that we are still supplying arms, that Egypt still does not adhere to this joint resolution, and that she still stops our tankers going through the Suez Canal, which really seems that she is getting away with too much?

Mr. Younger

I think that the facts of the right hon. Gentleman are, unfortunately. correct.