§ 54. Major Legge-Bourkeasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that since the first week in February Israeli troops have carried out seven raids into the Hashemite Kingdom of the Jordan, involving on one occasion the murder of 10 persons, of whom five were children; and, in view of these acts of aggression what steps His Majesty's Government propose taking under the Anglo-Jordan Treaty.
§ Mr. Ernest DaviesHis Majesty's Government are aware that such incidents have taken place, but there are conflicting reports whether members of the Israel armed forces or other persons operating from Israel were responsible. These incidents were reported to the Mixed Armistice Commission and at its meeting on 14th February complaints regarding these particular occurrences were disposed of by agreement. In addition, a resolution was passed condemning such outrages and requesting the Governments concerned to endeavour to prevent further incidents. It was also agreed that the Deputy Chiefs of Staff of Israel and Jordan should meet to discuss measures to improve frontier control and thereby to avoid a recurrence of such breaches of the Armistice Agreement. His Majesty's Government do not consider that any action is called for under the Anglo-Jordan Treaty and no request for such action has been made by the Jordan Government.
§ Major Legge-BourkeWould the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that an impression is being steadily built up now in Jordan that His Majesty's Government are weakening in their adherence to the Treaty, and that this impression is having the disastrous effect of encouraging these incidents all along the frontier?
§ Mr. DaviesIf that impression exists in Jordan there is no justification whatever for it. I hope that the fact that this Question has been put and answered will assist in disabusing the minds of those who hold that view.
§ Mr. JannerWill my hon. Friend point out the necessity of not presenting one-sided matters to this House? Is he aware that in recent months some 20 1747 Israeli citizens have been murdered by raiders from the other side? Will he not agree that the best way of dealing with these matters is to allow the Jordan and Israeli people to decide these matters for themselves by agreement, as they have done recently, and should we not encourage that process?
§ Mr. DaviesIt is not for His Majesty's Government to prejudge these matters, which come before the Mixed Armistice Commission. In their view it is far better that it should be for the Mixed Armistice Commission to decide.
§ Major Legge-BourkeIs it not a fact that the Mixed Armistice Commission has no power, because it is equally divided and has one chairman at the head who refuses to take any decisions at all until the others agree, which they never do?
§ Mr. DaviesA report of the Mixed Armistice Commission is shortly to be made to the Security Council, in accordance with a resolution which was sponsored by His Majesty's Government. It is hoped that the whole matter will then come under review.