HC Deb 22 February 1956 vol 549 cc353-4
13. Mr. Robens

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of the statement made by a Foreign Office spokesman that Middle East affairs were the legitimate concern of every country, including the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, how far this constitutes a change in the Government's policy; and whether he is now prepared to invite the Soviet Government to consult the signatories of the Tripartite Declaration about delivery of arms to the Middle East.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

The Foreign Office spokesman was acknowledging the concern which is legitimate for any member of the United Nations, and his statement represents no change of policy on the part of Her Majesty's Government. With regard to the last part of the Question. I have nothing to add to what was said by the Prime Minister and by the present Chancellor of the Exchequer on 12th December.

Mr. Robens

May I ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman whether this matter was discussed in Washington, and whether or not he would think again of inviting Russia to a meeting of the Tripartite Powers to discuss this matter of arms to the Middle East?

Mr. Lloyd

I must say quite frankly to the right hon. Gentleman that our experience of quadripartite consultations and control in recent years has not been such as to encourage us to extend it to this area. With regard to the Middle East in particular, I think the Soviet attitude over the supply of arms has greatly added to the tension there.

Mr. Robens

May I ask, then, whether the Foreign Secretary will tell the House how he is going to carry out the obligation of the Tripartite Declaration to have a balance of arms in the Middle East if he does not take into consideration the injection of arms from the U.S.S.R.?

Mr. Lloyd

When I spoke in the House on 24th January, I indicated that that was a matter which would have to be taken into account.

Mr. Peyton

Would not my right hon. and learned Friend agree that recent Soviet action in the Middle East has done nothing to encourage opinion in this country to have any confidence that their good faith can be relied on more if they were in a quadripartite agreement than at the moment?

Mr. Lloyd

I think that is the effect of the Answer I have given.

Mr. S. Silverman

Would not the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that, nevertheless, it is necessary to be very realistic about this question? If it is conceded that the Western Powers have a legitimate concern in this area and that the U.S.S.R. also has a legitimate concern in this area, what is the practical good purpose to be served by refusing to invite mutual consultations about common legitimate concerns?

Mr. Lloyd

The reason why I have answered as I have is because in October and in November attempts were made to persuade the Soviet Government not to add to the tension in the way in which they have done. That is the answer.