§ 38. Mr. Edelmanasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what prior information he received from the Soviet Government, accompanying the Russian Note of 19th April, that the Soviet Government intended to deliver three submarines to Egypt; and, in view of the heightening of tension in the Middle East which the arrival of these submarines has already caused and the obligations of Her Majesty's Government under the Tripartite Declaration, whether he will ask the Soviet Government for an explanation of this action.
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreHer Majesty's Government have received no prior information from the Soviet Government that they intended to deliver three submarines to Egypt. In regard to the second part of the Question, the views of Her Majesty's Government have already been made public.
§ Mr. EdelmanIs not it typical of the Russians to talk of peace when they are sending aggressive weapons to the Eastern Mediterranean? Is not that a real form of warmongering? Will the right hon. Gentleman confirm that the policy of Her Majesty's Government coincides with that of the United States in securing the free passage of ships in the Mediterranean on their peaceful occasions?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreYes, Sir.