HC Deb 07 December 1955 vol 547 cc367-8
29. Mr. Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of the continuing threats made against Israel by leaders of neighbouring countries, what consultations Her Majesty's Government have had with the United States and French Governments with a view to implementing the terms of the Tripartite Declaration of 1950; and what is the result of such consultations.

Mr. H. Macmillan

Her Majesty's Government are in close and constant consultation with their co-signatories of the Tripartite Declaration on the situation in the Middle East.

Mr. Janner

As the Tripartite Declaration has been broken and is being broken by the constant threats made by Nasser and others, will the right hon. Gentleman state why some action is not being taken in that regard? Why are arms still being supplied to those who are making these violent statements about annihilating Israel?

Mr. Macmillan

The terms of the Tripartite Declaration, are, of course, known to the hon. Member, and we are under an obligation to consult together about what action would be taken in certain circumstances. I am sure that the hon. Member would not wish to press me to give details in public about the result of such consultations.

Mr. Nicholson

Does my right hon. Friend recognise that a proper evaluation of the situation is difficult for hon. Members and the general public, without some knowledge of the relative military potentials and military strengths of the parties involved? Could he take some steps to clear up that situation and to give us some enlightenment?

Mr. Macmillan

That does not really arise out of this Question. What I and my colleagues have tried to do is to take steps which we think most likely to lead to our real purpose—the bringing about of negotiations which will lead to a settlement.