HC Deb 14 May 1956 vol 552 cc1620-2
2. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, following the visit of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to the Middle East, he will make a statement on the action to be taken by the Security Council to deal with the Israel-Arab dispute.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Anthony Nutting)

I cannot forecast what further action the Security Council may decide to take. The United Nations Secretary-General has fulfilled the mission entrusted to him by the Council on 4th April, and his final report is now being considered. I am placing copies of this Report in the Library of the House.

Mr. Henderson

Is it the view of the Government that the danger of a conflict in the Middle East has receded as a result of the visit of the Secretary-General? Is it the policy of Her Majesty's Government that the Security Council should deal with these Middle East problems with a view to working out a peaceful solution?

Mr. Nutting

On the latter part of the right hon. and learned Gentleman's supplementary question, I can assure him that we are in very close contact with the United States and French Governments. At the moment consultations are proceeding in New York between the three delegations. As to the first part of his question, I think the whole House would wish to join with me in congratulating Mr. Hammarskjold on the success of his mission and the easing of the tension on the Israeli-Arab borders.

Mr. Robens

We should certainly wish to join with the right hon. Gentleman in expressing our appreciation to the Secretary-General of the United Nations for the excellent work he has done in the Middle East. Can the right hon. Gentleman confirm or deny the report that Czech arms have been or are about to be delivered to Syria? Has he any information about that, and if it be the case, will it not make the task of the United Nations much more difficult?

Mr. Nutting

All these arms deliveries undoubtedly make the task of United Nations and all of us a good deal more difficult. As to the particular question of Czech arms deliveries to Syria, I believe some arms are on the way, but I would prefer not to say anything more in the existing situation. I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his tribute to Mr. Hammarskjold.

Mr. Nicholson

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, while the achievements of Mr. Hammarskjold will be applauded by the whole House, they can only be palliative? This situation has drifted on for eight years, and unless some steps are taken by some outside body, such as the Security Council, to suggest—if not to impose—a settlement, a situation which has been inflammable for eight years might burst into flame at any moment? Can my right hon. Friend give the House and the world a little encouragement in this matter?

Mr. Nutting

I should dearly like to give the House and the world more encouragement on the prospect of an Arab-Israeli settlement, but at the moment I prefer to say that the immediate danger of an outbreak of hostilities in the region seems to have receded. We hope that we have been able to make some progress in the matter both as a result of the visit of the Secretary-General and as a result of the visit from the Soviet Union to London.