HC Deb 15 April 1959 vol 603 cc1021-2
23. Mr. Harold Davies

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in his talks on the Middle East with the French Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary, he will propose the issue of a joint declaration affirming strict respect for the obligations of the United Nations Charter concerning non-interference in the internal affairs of other States, and, in particular. opposition to any policy of intervention, direct or indirect, political or military, in the internal affairs of Iraq.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

These talks were concluded yesterday.

Whether or not such a declaration would have been desirable, it would certainly be unnecessary in view of the terms of the United Nations resolution unanimously carried on 21st August, 1958. That remains our policy. I am sending a copy of the resolution to the hon. Member and I draw his attention in particular to paragraphs 1 and 2.

Mr. Davies

Without, I hope, getting out of order on this occasion, may I ask the Foreign Secretary whether he would think it worth while to produce a White Paper on British Government policy in the Middle East in view of the complete change of policy since the days of the first Bagdad Pact?

Mr. Lloyd

I will certainly consider that suggestion.

27. Mr. Zilliacus

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the present situation in Iraq and Iran, and in the relations between the former and Egypt, he will press for the conclusion of an agreement between the four great Powers who are permanent members of the Security Council to implement the obligations of the United Nations Charter concerning non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, joint action to control the traffic in arms, keep the peace and give economic and technical aid to Middle Eastern countries, and an abandonment of the policy of recruiting States in this area into military alliances with any of the great Powers.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer which I have given to Question No. 23. I am sending him a copy of that resolution. The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics also voted for it. So far as economic and technical aid is concerned, we would welcome any scheme for that which has the support of the States in the area.

Mr. Zilliacus

As well as expressing my gratification for that reply, may I ask whether the right hon. and learned Gentleman will give an assurance that this means that there will be no repetition of the Jordan policy in case of internal disorders in either Iraq or Iran under the Bagdad Pact or any other agreement?

Mr. Osborne

Or in Tibet?

Mr. Lloyd

That is a very different question from the one on the Order Paper. But our policy on that is as decided unanimously in the resolution to which I have referred.