HC Deb 06 March 1957 vol 566 cc329-30
12. Sir L. Plummer

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Pakistani High Commissioner, acting on behalf of Saudi Arabia, has issued a notice to British firms requiring a declaration from them that they are not trading with Israel before these firms can receive import licences from the Saudi Arabian Government; and what action he therefore proposes to take in protection of the British interests involved.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

I am not aware that the Pakistan High Commissioner has issued any notice to British firms in the terms referred to by the hon. Member, but a notice has been issued requiring firms to make a declaration that they have no investments or other similar interests in Israel. My noble Friend the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations has been assured by the Pakistan High Commissioner that this requirement is not intended to impose any additional restrictions on British firms trading with Saudi Arabia. As the House will be aware, the Pakistan High Commissioner is acting in this matter on behalf of the Saudi Arabian Government, for whose interests in the United Kingdom he is responsible.

Sir L. Plummer

Does the Foreign Secretary not appreciate that the Pakistan Government are scarcely neutral in this matter, in so far as they have taken an active part in proposing sanctions against Israel? Is he further aware that I have in my hand a photostat copy of the statement issued by the Pakinstan Government on 15th January this year, laying down five conditions which bar British firms who are having dealings with Israel from dealing with Saudi Arabia? Further, is it not now clear that the Government's policy of constantly saying, before the Suez troubles took place, that they neither condoned nor approved the Arab boycott, was an incitement to the Arab countries to go on with this boycott? Will not the Government now become true friends of Israel and take the necessary steps to stop this attack on British trade and on Israel itself?

Mr. Lloyd

I do not think that anyone can suggest that we have given any encouragement to this boycott. We have disapproved of it from the beginning. The Pakistan High Commissioner is acting in this matter as a representative of Saudi Arabia. I cannot accept what the hon. Gentleman says about Pakistan Government policy.