§ 18. Mr. Warbeyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what instructions he gave to Sir Gerald Templer in connection with his recent official visit to Jordan.
§ Mr. NuttingIt would be contrary to all practice to disclose confidential instructions given by Her Majesty's Government in connection with an official mission to a foreign State.
§ Mr. WarbeyWhy was a military man sent to undertake an extremely delicate diplomatic mission? Was it thought he could bulldoze the Jordan Government into joining the Bagdad Pact? Will the right hon. Gentleman confirm the report that Sir Gerald Templer told the Jordan Government that they had better make up their minds within forty-eight hours or take the consequences?
§ Mr. NuttingThere is no truth whatsoever in the hon. Gentleman's statement. As to the selection of Sir Gerald Templer, he went because there were military matters to be discussed with the Jordanian authorities.