HC Deb 07 November 1955 vol 545 cc1460-2
10. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of United States oil interests in Saudi Arabia, the United States Government have been consulted in connection with recent decisions of Her Majesty's Government affecting the mutual interests of both countries.

Mr. H. Macmillan

The Buraimi problem was discussed with the State Department in September and they were warned of our view that Saudi conduct had made a continuation of arbitration virtually impossible. Her Majesty's Government did not give the United States authorities advance information of the decision that the Rulers concerned should resume control of the area, lest such foreknowledge should prove embarrassing to them in their relations with Saudi Arabia.

I would also remind the right hon. Gentleman that besides their interests in Saudi Arabia, American oil companies are substantial shareholders in the companies that hold the concessions for the Trucial States and for Muscat and Oman.

Mr. Shinwell

Is not that precisely the reason that there should be active cooperation between the two countries? Are not our oil interests likely to be affected vitally by what is happening in the Middle East at present, including Saudi Arabia, and can we have an assurance that co-operation will be effected satisfactorily?

Mr. Macmillan

Yes, Sir. As far as I know, our co-operation with the United States over the great body of our problems is very close. I will certainly do anything I can to make it as close and intimate as possible.

Mr. Robens

In that case, why would he have found it embarrassing for the American Government to have advised them beforehand on the action we took?

Mr. Macmillan

It was not embarrassing to me. I thought it might be embarrassing to them.

Mr. Robens

That is the point. Why does the right hon. Gentleman think it would have been embarrassing to the American Government if they had been forewarned of the action we took?

Mr. Macmillan

Because I think this was a matter where it was better for them to be in a position of not having been informed of the actions which these Sultans took.

Mr. Robens

Why?

Mr. Macmillan

I should have thought it was obvious.

Mr. Robens

It is not obvious to me. If there is to be Anglo-American cooperation, it must surely be in all fields where we have interests. Why, precisely, does the right hon. Gentleman say it might have embarrassed the American Government? Was it because he was previously informed in conversations that it would be embarrassing if they were informed officially?