HC Deb 05 December 1951 vol 494 cc2360-1
8. Mr. William Shepherd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many members of the Arab States are being given military training in the United Kingdom; and how many members of the Israeli forces are receiving similar facilities.

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Anthony Eden)

According to the most recent figures available, 134 members of the armed forces of the Arab States and 33 members of the Israel forces are receiving military training in this country.

Mr. Shepherd

As we are training those Israeli forces and Arab forces will my right hon. Friend resist pressure to stop this form of liaison between this country and others?

Mr. Eden

I think I am in favour of the continuance of these schemes.

Mr. R. T. Paget

Do these officers include any Syrian officers and, although this is a little wide, are we to have any statement as to the attitude of the Government towards Colonel Shishakli.

Mr. Eden

I think that is extremely wide. In reply to the first part of the hon. and learned Member's supplementary question, the figure is four.