HC Deb 19 March 1956 vol 550 cc799-803
4. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will offer the support of Her Majesty's Government to the official proposal of President Eisenhower that the United Nations take early action on the Israeli-Arab dispute.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

President Eisenhower has not yet, so far as I am aware, made an official proposal of the nature indicated. Her Majesty's Government are, however, considering what further action might be taken through the United Nations in order to secure a relaxation of tension in Palestine and to help preserve the peace there.

Mr. Henderson

When the Foreign Secretary says that Her Majesty's Government are considering taking action, may we take it that, in view of the present situation on the borders of Israel and Egypt, they regard this matter as urgent—which is the word used by President Eisenhower? Are we to understand that the action which they contemplate taking will be under Article 39, and will be taken to the Security Council?

Mr. Lloyd

I agree with the right hon. and learned Gentleman about the urgency of the problem, and also that it is necessary for the United Nations to play a greater part. Further than that I would prefer not to go at the moment.

Mr. Robens

What are the considerations which have prevented the Government from taking the matter to the United Nations long before this?

Mr. Lloyd

I think it is our desire to ensure that there should be the greatest possible agreement about this matter, and that we should carry with us other members of the United Nations.

Mr. Robens

Do I understand, then, that before the matter is taken by Her Majesty's Government to the United Nations they must know beforehand, by negotiations, what the results will be?

Mr. Lloyd

I think that the right hon. Gentleman will agree with me that that is frequently a very useful thing to do.

Mr. Langford-Holt

As this matter is now also being discussed by the other signatories to the Tripartite Agreement, can my right hon. and learned Friend say when these consultations are expected to be concluded?

Mr. Lloyd

I do not think that the Question deals with that point.

11. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, following his recent conversations in the Middle East, he will make a further statement on the Government's proposal for the establishment of adequate United Nations contingents on the Israeli-Arab borders.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

As a result of my recent discussions I have reached the conclusion that it would not be practicable to establish United Nations contingents on the Arab-Israel borders. I believe it would be valuable, however, to increase the strength of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation. I am pursuing the matter with the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Mr. Henderson

Does the Foreign Secretary's reply mean that he no longer considers it advisable that United Nations representatives, or whatever we may call them, should be anything more than investigators after an act of aggression has taken place and should not be employed in order to deter aggression?

Mr. Lloyd

That does not follow. I have never advocated the establishment of national contingents. I certainly have in mind an increase in the number of people employed by the United Nations Truce Supervisory Organisation, and I would like a considerable broadening both in their functions and facilities.

Mr. Robens

Why did the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary indicate in the recent debate that they had thought about an international police force, or international security force, along the borders two years ago, and that the Foreign Secretary himself had raised it with the Secretary-General of the United Nations? How does it come about that he now says that he has never believed in it?

Mr. Lloyd

I have never sought to give any inference that I supported national contingents. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] I am talking of national contingents. What I have always believed in, and this is what I raised two years ago, is an increase in the number operating under the United Nations Truce Supervisory Organisation, including a broadening of their functions.

Mr. Beswick

When the Foreign Secretary now says that such an agreement is not practicable, does he mean that from the technical point of view his original proposal would not be practicable, or does he mean that, after discussions with a limited number of nations, he found that they did not agree and he has decided that the proposals would not be practicable? Would it not be better for the United Nations to take the decision in a matter of this kind?

Mr. Lloyd

There is some misunderstanding. I do not remember ever having suggested national contingents.

Mr. Beswick

I am accepting the Foreign Secretary's definition of an international force, but I am asking why he now says that it is not practicable?

Mr. Lloyd

First of all, it is necessary to get the agreement of all parties. That is a difficulty that I have found.

Mr. Henderson

Let us get this point clear. I was not, in framing my Question, acting on the basis of suggesting national contingents. My Question plainly suggests United Nations contingents. I do not know why the Foreign Secretary has introduced this qualification. May I ask him, therefore, whether he is in favour of United Nations contingents, not on a national basis but having authority to prevent aggression rather than to investigate aggression after it has taken place?

Mr. Lloyd

I am not certain exactly what the word "contingent" is meant to mean. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] Well, if the suggestion is to form a disciplined body of men capable of fighting, I would think that is not a practicable proposition. If, on the other hand, the idea is that there should be additional United Nations personnel operating in the existing organisation under General Burns, that is a different proposition and is the one which I personally have always favoured.

Mr. Henderson

Not to investigate aggression afterwards but to operate before aggression?

Mr. Lloyd

Yes. I said I was in favour not only of the facilities but also of the functions being broadened.

Mr. Dugdale

Would not the Foreign Secretary agree that, whatever the need in the past for observers, it is infinitely strengthened now by the fact that so many British officers have left the Arab Legion? Would he see that the number of observers on the Jordan-Israel frontier is strengthened, as an act of immediate importance?

Mr. Lloyd

I think the present situation is serious, and there is a stronger case for increasing the number of observers or personnel—call them what you will—but there is the very important factor in this matter that the parties have to agree on this.