HC Deb 13 June 1955 vol 542 cc257-9
26. Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what replies have been received from the Governments of Egypt and Israel to the proposals of the United Nations Commissioner, General Burns, for the reduction of tension in the Gaza area.

Mr. H. Macmillan

General Burns' four proposals for the reduction of tension in the Gaza area were accepted in principle by the Government of Egypt on 18th April. Three of them were accepted by the Government of Israel on 21st April. The latter did not accept the proposal for joint patrols along the demarcation line. The Egyptian Government have since suggested that both sides should withdraw to a distance of one kilometre from the demarcation line.

General Burns has also discussed with both sides the appointment of high-ranking representatives to examine with him what measures might be taken to improve the situation in the Gaza area. I understand that both sides are prepared to attend a meeting with General Burns but that there is still some difference of opinion over the level of representation and the Agenda. General Burns is dealing with the question and I hope that he will be able to bring both sides to a meeting so that all proposals for the reduction of tension may be considered and put into effect.

Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is of the utmost importance to associate the Egyptian Army with any agreement or arrangement, in the way that the Jordanian Army is associated with the preservation of peace on the Jordanian-Israeli frontier, with relative success?

Mr. Macmillan

I hope that that may arise from these negotiations. Perhaps I might be allowed to pay a tribute, with which I am sure all will agree, to the work of General Burns, who has the full sympathy and confidence of both sides.

Mr. H. Morrison

Will Her Majesty's Government make every possible effort to bring these parties together with a view to these troubles being settled? Will they also consider whether we ought not, in our relations with Israel, to enter into understandings and pacts similar to those we have entered into in connection with the Arab States, as it would help the situation?

Mr. Macmillan

That is another and larger question. Of course, we are doing all we can to bring the parties together and to help in conciliation. We are already parties to the Tripartite Declaration. It might be more convenient to discuss this larger question in the debate on the day after tomorrow.

Mr. Shinwell

While I endorse what the Foreign Secretary has said about the very valuable services rendered by General Burns, in view of the deterioration of the situation in the Middle East and the grave threat to peace there is in that area, has not the time arrived when more positive action might be taken; for example, by the signatories to the Tripartite Agreement—the United Kingdom, the United States and France—endeavouring to bring the parties together?

Mr. Macmillan

That has been the effort both of Her Majesty's Government and of our two Allies, and we are hopeful that we may be successful.