MIDDLE EAST (SUPPLY OF ARMS) (Hansard, 13 June 1956)

§ 14. Mr. Janner
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the recent supply to Egypt of warships bearing the Polish ensign, including two destroyers, he will take steps, with the other signatories to the Tripartite Declaration, to enable Israel to obtain the arms necessary for her defence.

§ Mr. Nutting
Her Majesty's Government have no definite information that would confirm the assumption on which this Question is based. Their policy on arms to the Middle East countries remains as stated by my right hon. and learned Friend in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Aberdeenshire, East (Sir R. Boothby) on 28th March.

§ Mr. Janner
Would the right hon. Gentleman inquire into this matter? Is he aware that the Egyptian Press has applauded this action on the part of Russia? Is he aware that these vessels are very effective warships, that they are also minelayers and cannot possibly be used for the purpose, referred to in the Tripartite Declaration, of ensuring internal security and legitimate defence? Is he also aware that if they were used they could establish an effective blockade against Israel by mining, because they can lay about eighty mines each, and that they have a maximum speed of about 30 knots? Will he look into this matter and, if they have been supplied, will he see that something effective is done about balancing the position as far as Israel is concerned?

§ Mr. Nutting
We have no definite information about their supply. If we have definite information we shall take that information into account in deciding our arms deliveries policy.

§ Mr. Robens
If that is taken into account, together with the report that the Czechs are likely to supply arms to Syria, is it not time that the British Government, together with the other two Powers concerned in the Tripartite Declaration, did something about giving quality arms to Israel to maintain the balance of arms in that part of the world?

§ Mr. Nutting
Both quantity and quality are taken into account in deciding the delivery of arms to both sides, as my right hon. and learned Friend and I have said on repeated occasions.