§ 37. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how far, as a result of the recent consultation 2146 between Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom, the United States Government, and the French Government, applications from the Government of Israel for modern aircraft and tanks will be met in accordance with the provisions of the Tripartite Declaration.
§ The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Selwyn Lloyd)All requests by Middle Eastern countries to Her Majesty's Government for arms are considered in the light of the principles laid down in the Tripartite Declaration of May, 1950. As I have repeatedly stated, it would be contrary to Her Majesty's Government's normal practice to disclose what arms are supplied in response to such requests.
§ Mr. HendersonIs not the danger of war in the Middle East considerably increased by the fact that substantial numbers of modern aircraft and tanks are being supplied to Egypt and are being denied to Israel? What policy reason is there which the Foreign Secretary can adduce which would justify the prevention of a reasonable supply of comparable types of aircraft and tanks being made to Israel, so as to avoid any suggestion of an arms race?
§ Mr. LloydThe question of arms deliveries to individual countries is a very sensitive matter. Generally speaking, I think it is accepted that over the past five years we have managed to keep a fair balance. We shall continue to try to do that.