HC Deb 10 May 1956 vol 552 cc1416-7
48. Mr. Warbey

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the official support now given by the French and the Soviet Governments for an internationally controlled embargo on the supply of arms to all Middle East countries, he will now invite President Eisenhower to join with him in calling a conference of interested Powers with a view to setting up machinery for the application of an embargo.

The Prime Minister

Without necessarily accepting the premises of the hon. Gentleman's Question, the Answer is "No, Sir".

Mr. Warbey

Will the Prime Minister not at least say whether the British Government favours the idea of an internationally controlled arms embargo to cover all countries in the Middle East, if agreement can be secured between the arms exporting countries? If so, what steps is he taking to bring about such an agreement?

The Prime Minister

As the hon. Member knows, an arms embargo would present considerable difficulties owing to our undertakings under the Tripartite Declaration, but we are ready to discuss this matter in the United Nations if desired.

Mr. Robens

Is the Prime Minister able to tell us whether the report that the Czechs are now delivering arms to Syria is correct or not? If it is correct, will not that disturb the balance under the Tripartite Declaration, and what action does the right hon. Gentleman contemplate under that Declaration, if it is a fact?

The Prime Minister

Perhaps the right hon. Member will be good enough to put a Question to the Foreign Secretary on that. I have not seen any recent reports of that kind, but it may be that information could be given.

Mr. Bellenger

Does the Prime Minister agree that if an arms embargo like this were possible that in itself would be a form of disarmament? Why is there so much difficulty under the Tripartite Declaration which, I understand, has not the same force as it had a little time ago? Why should the difficulties be emphasised rather than the point of getting disarmament?

The Prime Minister

The difficulty about an embargo covering such a wide number of countries is that under the Tripartite Declaration we have certain obligations to supply certain arms for defence. We have to consider how an embargo would act in fairness between one country and another. We are prepared to discuss these matters, but they are not so easy to deal with in Question and Answer.