HC Deb 15 December 1958 vol 597 cc766-7
37. Mr. Bevan

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent joint consultations have taken place between the Governments of the United States of America and Iran, on the one hand, and Her Majesty's Government, on the other, with regard to the proposed military agreement between the United States of America and bran and its effect on the arrangements of the Bagdad Pact.

Commander Noble

At the meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Bagdad Pact in London last July, the United States Government agreed to co-operate with the member countries taking part for their security and defence and, announced that they would enter into agreements designed to give effect to this co-operation. Negotiations on such an, agreement are in progress between the Iranian and the United States Governments. The conclusion of this agreement will strengthen the Bagdad Pact, and Her Majesty's Government welcome it. The terms of the agreement are, however, at matter entirely for negotiation betweent the Iranian and United States Governments.

Mr. Bevan

Are the terms of the agreement conveyed to Her Majesty's Government as they are being negotiated?

Commander Noble

We have been generally informed of the negotiations, but there has been no actual consultation.

Mr. Bevan

Does not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman think that the establishment of a missile base in Iran will be regarded as anything else than an act of provocation? Would it not be much better for peace in this area if some of the £80 million received in oil royalties were spent on the people of Iran, and not push the northern tier right up to the frontiers of Russia like this? What advantage can be got from this ridiculous provocative behaviour?

Commander Noble

This is a defensive organisation, as are the other organisations to which we and our allies the United States belong.