§ 35. Mr. E. Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the position in Jordan, in view of the fact that some British Forces still remain in that country.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydAccording to my information the position of British forces in Jordan has not been affected by the recent internal developments in that country and they have been in no danger. The withdrawal of British Forces from Jordan is proceeding in accordance with the terms of the agreement of 13th March terminating the Anglo-Jordan Treaty of 1948.
§ Mr. FletcherCan the Foreign Secretary State whether any conversations are taking place, including conversations between Her Majesty's Government and the United States, to preent incidents in Jordan developing into a serious international situation?
§ Mr. LloydWe are in consultation upon the general situation there. At the moment, I think that things look rather quieter.
§ Mr. J. EdenWould not my right hon. and learned Friend agree that the security of Her Majesty's Forces in Jordan depends on the strength of the position of the King of Jordan? Would he not further agree that the position of the King of Jordan would be immensely weakened if we were now to submit to the demands of Nasser, thereby giving strength to the Egyptian influences in Jordan?
§ Mr. LloydHowever that may be. I think that we must regard recent developments in Jordan as an internal matter for the Jordanians, and I think that we would be wiser not to comment on them.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerDoes the Foreign Secretary expect that our troops will be withdrawn by the date agreed upon?