§ 9. Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what recent report has been received from the Israel-Jordan Boundary Commission.
§ Sir Anthony EdenI presume the hon. Member refers to the Israel-Jordan Mixed Armistice Commission. As my right hon. Friend the Minister of State told the House on 2nd November, Israel recently resumed participation in the Commission after an absence of seven months, and since the beginning of September conditions on the Israel-Jordan frontier have been quieter than for several months past.
I understand that General Burns, the Chief of Staff of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation, is continuing his efforts to bring about an agreement for direct contact between Israel and Jordan Military Commanders in the Jerusalem area. These are encouraging developments and I hope they may lead to further progress in reducing tension along Israel's borders.
§ Mr. GrimondWhile thanking the Foreign Secretary for that reply and welcoming the initiative taken by General Burns, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman to say whether this initiative, if it is successful in the early stages, might extend to a reconsideration of this whole most unsatisfactory truce line?
§ Sir A. EdenI should like to consider that question on the Paper, because General Burns' initiative is, of course, his own, although warmly welcomed by us, and I do not think I ought to say more.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerWill the right hon. Gentleman consult the Secretary-General of the United Nations on whether it might be useful to strengthen General Burns' personnel?
§ Sir A. EdenYes, Sir; that has been under consideration, and I would like to write to the right hon. Gentleman about it.