§ 32. Mr. Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how the British delegate on the Security Council of the United Nations voted on the complaint of the Lebanese Government of 197 intervention by the Government of the United Arab Republic in the internal affairs of the Lebanon.
§ 37. Mr. Swinglerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps are being taken by Her Majesty's Government as a result of the situation in the Lebanon; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreSince my right hon. and learned Friend answered Questions on this subject in the House on 19th May, some violence has continued. With the exception of damage to the Iraq Petroleum Company pipeline, which has now been repaired, there have been no reports of damage to British property nor of loss of British life.
The Lebanese Government have submitted the matter to the Arab League and to the Security Council. The Security Council met yesterday and a resolution was introduced by the Swedish delegate. This was supported by the United Kingdom representative and the debate is still continuing.
§ Mr. BrockwayI thank the right hon. Gentleman for that Answer, but may I ask him whether, as the American Government are supplying arms to the Lebanese Government, it is not desirable that we should seek to disengage the whole of the area from external political influence and military contributions?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreThat goes very much wider than the Question on the Order Paper.
§ Mr. SwinglerWill the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that he will ask the British representative on the Security Council to take Steps to ensure that there is no armed intervention in the Lebanon except in circumstances which are approved by the United Nations General Assembly?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreI must make it perfectly clear that there is all the difference in the world between supplying arms to a recognised Government of a country and introducing arms over a border to support dissidents in the country.