HC Deb 07 May 1956 vol 552 cc830-1
41. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will now make a statement on the arrangements which have been made for strengthening the United Nations Truce Observation Organisation on the Israeli-Arab border

Mr. Nutting

The Truce Supervision Organisation announced in Jerusalem on 1st May that agreement in principle had been reached with Israel and Egypt on proposals put forward by General Burns, for formal adoption in the Mixed Armistice Commission. The proposals provide for the establishment on each side of the Gaza demarcation line of a number of fixed observation posts to be supplemented by United Nations patrols when necessary. Steps are being taken to recruit the additional observers made necessary by this agreement

Mr. Henderson

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why it is that the proposal is limited to the Gaza Strip, in view of the other dangerous areas, such as the Sea of Galilee, where observer posts might play a very useful part in view of the strained relations over the water rights?

Mr. Nutting

The Secretary-General's mission was not limited, and I do not think that his report will be limited, to the Gaza Strip or the Egyptian frontier. I think it will deal with the whole area. But we have not yet had his report, and I would ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman to await it, when I hope that a further statement will be made.

Mr. Robens

Why, when these very proposals were made from these benches months and months ago, did the right hon. Gentleman and his friends refuse to take the initiative at the United Nations? Does not he think that if they had done that there would have been the terrible tragedies which have happened since the proposals were first made from these benches?

Mr. Nutting

I think that the right hon. Gentleman has his dates a little wrong, because my right hon. and learned Friend, when Minister of State, made these proposals to the Secretary-General of the United Nations as long ago as 1952

Mr. Nicholson

Can my right hon. Friend assure the House that whenever General Burns has requested additional staff his request has been considered, and will be considered as soon as possible whenever he does so in the future?

Mr. Nutting

Her Majesty's Government stand behind General Burns and Mr. Hammarskjold and will give them all the help they stand in need of.