§ 13. Mr. Roy Jenkinsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what are now the obstacles to the re-establishment of diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia.
§ Mr. ProfumoThere are no obstacles on the side of Her Majesty's Government. We have channels through which we have been in contact with the Saudi Arabian Government and we hope to find a mutually acceptable basis for resuming relations.
§ Mr. JenkinsDid the hon. Gentleman see the report of an interview given to a British journalist which appeared in one of the Sunday newspapers yesterday? Does he agree that there might be a chance for our Middle Eastern policy being more consistent and sensible if we quickly resumed diplomatic relations with the two major Arab countries?
§ Mr. ProfumoI did see the report to which the hon. Gentleman refers, but that, of course, is not the same as having a direct approach from the Government concerned. As I said in my Answer, I hope that a way may be found mutually acceptable for resuming relations with that country. I agree with the hon. Gentleman that it is very important.
§ Mr. W. YatesIs my hon. Friend aware that the supply of arms is a short-term policy, and will he consider—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I think that that was the last Question. This is about diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia.
§ Mr. YatesMay I say, Mr. Speaker, that I was about to ask a question about diplomatic relations within the context of arms? May I now put my supplementary question?
§ Mr. SpeakerOn what subject? There is nothing about arms in the Question.
§ Mr. YatesAbout diplomatic relations, Sir. From the point of view of the problem of diplomatic relations, would it not be better policy for Her Majesty's Government to ask the Heads of State of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Republic and Iraq to this country to try to reach some long-term policy for Great Britain and the Middle East as soon as possible?
§ Mr. ProfumoI think that it would be wiser if we concentrated first on the resumption of diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia.