HC Deb 02 March 1959 vol 601 cc22-3
33. Mr. Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reply he will make to the requests received from the Iraqi Government for supplies of arms.

Mr. Profumo

Several requests for arms have been received from the Iraq Government and some, including some dating from before the revolution, have been met. Others are still under consideration.

Mr. Swingler

Will the hon. Gentleman state what are the criteria that are applied in these cases? Are arms being supplied to Iraq on the basis that Iraq is a member of the Bagdad Pact or on the basis that Iraq is not a member of the Bagdad Pact? In view of the misinformation which has resulted in the supply of arms to other parts of the world by Her Majesty's Government, are the Government quite sure that this policy should not be reviewed?

Mr. Profumo

My right hon. Friend told the House on 18th February the principles which govern Her Majesty's Government's policy in supplying arms to foreign Powers. I have nothing to add to that.

Sir A. V. Harvey

Before the Government supply more arms to Iraq, will they insist on payment being made for damage sustained when the British Embassy was burned down last year?

Mr. Profumo

That is rather a different question. Perhaps my hon. Friend will put it down.

Mr. Younger

In view of the fact that, it is only a day or two since the House was told by one of the Ministers of the Foreign Office—I cannot remember who—that the Tripartite Declaration, in the view of the Government, was in force in this matter, can we be told whether that is the policy which governs the giving of arms, or the Bagdad Pact, or what?

Mr. Profumo

That is certainly taken into consideration.