§ 46. Mrs. Castleasked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on the situation now developing in the Buraimi Oasis.
§ The Prime MinisterI have nothing to add to the statement made on 2nd April by my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of State.
§ Mrs. CastleIs it not a fact that a serious situation is developing in this area, and that, behind this boundary dispute, lies a conflict of old interests between Britain and America? In view of the recent talks which the Foreign Secretary of Saudi Arabia has had in Washington, can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that the United States is giving us full diplomatic support in this serious matter?
§ The Prime MinisterThis is a question of treaty rights and other long-established interests, about which a dispute has arisen between us and Saudi Arabia, and actions—conflicts—of a violent, though happily not a lethal character, have taken place. But we have made it perfectly clear that we will willingly accept the process of fair arbitration. I always thought that that was the way things should be settled, if possible, between civilised and well-meaning States and peoples, and that is our position. We cannot be pushed out of every right we have just because violence is used to us and because offers of arbitration are rejected.
§ Mrs. CastleIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Saudi Arabian Government have openly flouted the standstill agreement and that our rights in this matter are being completely ignored? In view of the fact that the Foreign Secretary of that country has recently been in Washington having talks with President Eisenhower and Mr. Dulles, can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what diplomatic support we are getting from the United States of America in dealing with a situation which can develop in serious ways?
§ The Prime MinisterI think we must leave our case on its merits to arbitration, which we offer. I am really quite unable to be quite sure what side of the matter the hon. Lady is on. If she is asking me what help we are getting from the United States, I do not consider that every matter which affects British rights must necessarily be considered only in relation to the support we get from the United States.
§ Mrs. Castle rose—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. It is after half past three.
§ Mrs. CastleOn a point of order. In view of the right hon. Gentleman's reply, it is quite clear that he has totally misunderstood my question and also totally misunderstands—
§ Mr. SpeakerIf the hon. Lady is rising to a point of order, I wish she would tell me what it is.
§ Mrs. CastleI beg your pardon, Mr. Speaker, but I cannot make myself heard. My point of order is this. In view of the fact that, from the right hon. Gentleman's reply, he has clearly misunderstood my question and also totally misunderstands what is happening in this area—[Interruption.]
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. So far, the hon. Lady has disclosed no point of order. Does the hon. Lady wish to give notice that she proposes to raise the matter on the Motion for the Adjournment?
§ Mrs. CastleYes, Sir.
§ The Prime MinisterMay I say—
§ Mr. ShinwellOn a point of order.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. If we are to have points of order, let us take them one at a time.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe question addressed by my hon. Friend behind me was disposed of, and I understand that, now that it is after half-past three, Questions are also disposed of. Will you therefore keep the right hon. Gentleman the Prime Minister in order?
§ Mr. SpeakerI have no idea what the right hon. Gentleman the Prime Minister was going to say.
§ The Prime MinisterMay I ask your indulgence and the indulgence of the House? I should like to express my regret if in any way I have misunderstood the position of the hon. Lady. If, as I hope, we are on the same side in the matter, I should like it very much.