§ 50. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the establishment of the new United Arab Republic, he will make a statement on the future status and operation of the Suez Canal in relation to the six requirements embodied in the Security Council Resolution of 13th October, 1956.
§ Commander NobleIt remains the strongly held view of Her Majesty's Government that the Suez Canal should be operated as an international waterway in conformity with the six principles laid down by the Security Council in October, 1956.
It is too early to forecast what effect the union of Egypt and Syria might have on the operation of the Canal. I note, however, that one of the seventeen principles publicly announced by Colonel Nasser as the basis of the union is that
provisions of international treaties and agreements concluded by Syria and Egypt with other States shall remain in force with regard to the territorial spheres stipulated at the time of their conclusion, in accordance with the provisions of international law".It would seem to follow from this that the new State would accept the same obligations as did Egypt with regard to the operation of the Canal.
§ Mr. HendersonCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman tell the House what the present position of the Security 393 Council is in relation to this matter? The Prime Minister said a few months ago that the Security Council was still seized of the question of the future of the Suez Canal. Has anything been done?
§ Commander NobleThe Security Council remains seized of the question, and the Secretary-General is still engaged in seeking a solution.