HC Deb 07 December 1955 vol 547 cc368-9
16 and 17. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) on which date the arrangement was entered into between Her Majesty's Government and the Egyptian Government providing for information regarding the presence of British vessels in the Gulf of Aqaba; and whether this arrangement was concerted with other Governments anxious to protect their vessels against attack by Egyptian shore guns;

(2) the practical reasons which have caused the Government to acquaint the Egyptian Government with the likely presence of British vessels in the Gulf of Aqaba in order to ensure their protection against assault by Egyptian shore guns.

Mr. H. Macmillan

An arrangement whereby vessels approaching the Gulf of Aqaba by way of the Suez Canal notify the Egyptian Customs authorities at Port Said or Suez of their destination was made in an exchange of letters between Her Majesty's Government and the Egyptian Government in July, 1951. As far as I am aware, this arrangement was not concerted with other Governments. It has now been extended to take into account the fact that some vessels approach the Gulf of Aqaba from the south, without passing through the Suez Canal. Such vessels will notify the Jordanian authorities at Amman or Aqaba.

The practical reason for the arrangements, was the need to find a way of avoiding incidents to shipping in those waters.

Mr. Shinwell

Is this agreement not condoning the violation of an agreement that vessels of any nationality can enter free waters? Is that not condoning this incident, and is it not an endeavour on the part of Her Majesty's Government to appease Egypt at a time when appeasement is seen to be of no advantage whatever?

Mr. Macmillan

If it was condonation and if it was appeasement, it was entered into in July, 1951, when right hon. and hon. Gentlemen—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] It was entered into, and it dealt with the vast majority of vessels approaching the Gulf of Aqaba from the north. All that we have done is to extend the condonation, if it was condonation, and to apply the appeasement, if it was appeasement, to the smaller number of vessels which approach from the south.

Mr. Shinwell

Surely the situation is quite different now from what it was in 1951? Why does the right hon. Gentleman seek to be so evasive on a matter of this kind? Is it not time that he was frank with the House, forthright with hon. Members, and told us the truth about this position?

Mr. Macmillan

I did not stress unduly the facts on the last occasion when the right hon. Gentleman asked me this question, because I tried to spare him as much as possible, but now I have had to reveal the fact that it was he and his Government who made this arrangement.

Mr. Shinwell

In view of those evasive replies, Mr. Speaker, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.