§ 29. Sir R. Boothbyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the aggressive action taken by the Egyptian Government in respect of the Suez Canal, Her Majesty's Government will reconsider their decision not to allow the Government of Israel to purchase such arms as they consider necessary for the effective defence of Israel.
§ Lord John HopeHer Majesty's Government's policy with regard to arms supplies to Middle East countries is based on the Tripartite Declaration of 1950 which relates to the Arab-Israel dispute. The nationalisation of the Suez Canal is not related to that dispute. Her Majesty's Government, therefore, see no reason to change their policy as regards the supply of arms to the Middle East as a whole.
§ Sir R. BoothbyDoes my noble Friend really mean to tell us that, in the light of the present situation, Her Majesty's Government are going to make no change in their policy of refusing certain classes of modern arms to Israel, at Israel's own request—that they do not recognise any difference in the situation which has arisen in the last few days?
§ Lord John HopeI have tried to tell my hon. Friend what the Government's policy is with regard to the Arab-Israel dispute, and upon that we stand at present.
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes the noble Lord appreciate that if there had been an adequate response to the demands made by 1376 hon. Members on both sides of the House, that there should be a proper balance in the provision of armaments in the Middle East, and if Israel had been properly supplied, we might have been able to avoid the present impasse with Egypt?
§ Lord John HopeI think the right hon. Gentleman knows that in the view of the Government a balance has been struck, and that is precisely what the Government, with the other Powers in the Tripartite Agreement, have done their best to do all the time.
§ Mr. ElliotWould my noble Friend not agree that while the three parties to the Tripartite Agreement are now actually meeting in London, this would be a very appropriate occasion to review the undertakings and to see whether any new circumstances have arisen which might affect that Agreement?
§ Lord John HopeMy right hon. Friend will, no doubt, hear the statement which will be made in due course after these very vital conversations have taken place.
§ Mr. StracheyHas not the Government's policy in fact amounted to arming their enemies and penalising their friends?
§ Lord John HopeNo, Sir.
§ Mr. K. ThompsonCan my noble Friend clear up what really is happening to these destroyers which are said to be in preparation for Egypt, which might in certain eventualities be a grave embarrassment to us in another part of the world?
§ Lord John HopeNo, Sir; that is another question.
§ Mr. ShinwellAre we to understand from what the noble Lord says in reply to his right hon. Friend the Member for Kelvingrove (Mr. Elliot) that the Government are contemplating making a statement tomorrow or at a very early date, obviously before the Recess, indicating whether, in view of the changed position in the Middle East, they intend to supply adequate arms to the State of Israel? Is that what he means?
§ Lord John HopeNo, Sir, not at all. I simply asked my right hon. Friend to await the statement on the results of these vital conversations. I do not know 1377 any more than the right hon. Gentleman himself what the statement is going to be.
§ Mr. S. SilvermanDo the Government realise that if they had taken a firm attitude when the Suez Canal was first closed to Israeli shipping, they would be in a very much stronger position to handle their difficulties today?
§ Sir R. BoothbyOn a point of order. I desire to give notice that I shall seek to raise this matter on the Adjournment.