§ 14. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will propose a substantial increase in the number of United Nations' observers, including an air reconnaissance unit, on both sides of the Israel-Egyptian border pending his efforts to achieve a peaceful settlement of Israel-Egyptian differences.
§ Mr. H. MacmillanI have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the right hon. Gentleman on 7th November.
§ Mr. HendersonIs not the question of taking positive action to deal with an admittedly dangerous situation, such as that which exists on the Israel-Egyptian border, a matter of major policy to be taken by Governments and not by officials, no matter how distinguished; and will not the Foreign Secretary take the initiative in raising this matter on the Security Council?
§ Mr. MacmillanOn the broad question, of course, we are doing everything we can to help to bring about the keeping of peace upon the border, with a view to an ultimate settlement of this problem. As to the precise question of the exact number of observers and officials who should be put at the disposal of General Burns, as I said on the last occasion, if General Burns expressed any view in the matter we would give him every support.
§ Mr. HendersonThe point I am raising with the Foreign Secretary is that it should not be left to General Burns. The right hon. Gentleman indicated in his reply that there were only 12 observers for the whole of the border between these two countries. Does he not agree that that is totally inadequate, and that effective results would be much more likely if the number were increased?
§ Mr. MacmillanI would not be certain. General Burns must be the judge of what is the best method of carrying out his duty, and as he is the servant of the United Nations I would hesitate to say any more than that we would support him in any request he might make.