HC Deb 18 April 1956 vol 551 cc988-90
20. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action is to be taken by Her Majesty's Government through the United Nations to deal with the worsening situation on the Israeli-Egyptian borders; and to make a statement.

31. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to make a statement on the position in the Middle East.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

The Security Council unanimously adopted a Resolution on 4th April requesting the Secretary-General to investigate the situation and to arrange for the adoption of measures to reduce existing tensions. Mr. Hammarskjöld is now in the Middle East, and his mission has the full support of Her Majesty's Government. I do not think that further action through the United Nations by Her Majesty's Government at the moment would be helpful.

Hon. Members, however, will have read the statement issued yesterday by the Soviet Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This statement requires careful study. While there are some evident misstatements and inconsistencies in it, Her Majesty's Government nevertheless welcome Soviet emphasis on the need to preserve peace and to reach an Arab-Israeli settlement—and I quote the words— on a mutually acceptable basis, taking due consideration of the just national interests of the interested parties.

Mr. Henderson

Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree with the comment made by Mr. Molotov yesterday that the statement to which the Foreign Secretary has just referred might well form the basis of discussions with the Russian leaders during the next few days on this problem of the Middle East?

Mr. Lloyd

I have stated our view with regard to what the Russians have said.

Mr. Shinwell

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that many of us, in fact all of us, on this side of the House, welcome the Russian declaration, and hope that it will lead to a satisfactory conclusion as the result of further consultations? Can he also say whether, as the result of the visit of Mr. Hammarskjöld to the Middle East there is evidence of a more reasonable attitude on both sides?

Mr. Lloyd

It is very fortunate that at this very critical time the Secretary-General of the United Nations has been there. I am certain that his presence has helped to reduce tension. It is premature, however, to be too optimistic about his mission.