HC Deb 28 March 1955 vol 539 cc6-7
7. Mr. J. R. H. Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the offer by Israel to Egypt to abandon all frontier incidents between the two States if Egypt will give a similar undertaking; whether he will use his endeavours to persuade Egypt to give such similar undertaking; and whether he will make a statement.

Sir Anthony Eden

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the speech of the Israeli delegate in the Security Council's debate on 23rd March. While the matter is under discussion in the Security Council I should prefer not to comment further, except to say that under the Egypt-Israel Armistice Agreement of 23rd February, 1949, Egypt and Israel are already both bound to refrain from hostile acts against each other.

Mr. Janner

In view of his statement, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Egypt continues to declare that it is in a state of war with Israel and, in consequence of that, is inciting people on the border to commit acts of violence against Israel? Is he also aware that as recently as the 24th of this month an attack was made on a wedding party in the West Negeb, in the village of Patish, where a woman was killed and 19 people were wounded? Will he do something about enforcing the armistice arrangements on the Egyptians?

Sir A. Eden

I am also aware, as I think is the hon. Member, that the account which he has given gives the wrongs on the one side only and not the wrongs on the other. I am only too aware that they exist on both sides. We are doing what we can to improve the situation.

Mr. E. L. Mallalieu

Would the right hon. Gentleman agree that the responsibility for this situation must rest with those who refuse to negotiate to make a permanent peace?

Sir A. Eden

The responsibility, without any equivocation, can well be divided on this matter. General Burns, to whose efforts I should like to pay a very warm tribute, has certain proposals of his own which we shall do all we can to support. This matter can be handled provided both sides are prepared to handle it reasonably, but I hope that the hon. and learned Member will not press me to say whether I regard it as being so handled at the moment by either side.