§ 35. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the official visit of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to the 376 Middle East, he will make a statement on the present situation on the Israel-Jordan frontier.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydThe Secretary-General of the United Nations is now visiting the area and I do not think it would be helpful to make any detailed statement at the moment. I am sure both sides of the House will wish Mr. Hammarskjöld well in his task of conciliation.
§ Mr. ShinwellIn view of the reliance that is placed on the presence of United Nations Forces as a means of reducing tension, may I ask whether, in view of the increased tension on the Syria-Israel border and the Jordan-Israel border, it would be advisable, in view of the weakness of the present forces, to seek to strengthen them in the hope of removing the tension?
§ Mr. LloydI am sure that the Secretary-General will have that matter in mind. In the case of the Israel-Jordan dispute the important thing is to try to strengthen the U.N.T.S.O., which is the supervisory organisation. I am certain that would contribute to a reduction of tension.