§ 6. Mr. W. Yatesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the names of the countries in the Middle East, which are members of the United Nations Organisation, with which Great Britain has no diplomatic relations; what are the reasons; and what progress has been made to restore normal diplomatic relations with these members of the United Nations Organisation.
§ 36. Mr. Healeyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to restore normal diplomatic relations with the United Arab Republic.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydThe United Arab Republic and Saudi Arabia are the two countries concerned.
The Egyptian Government broke off diplomatic relations with this country on 1st November, 1956. At present we have a British Property Commission in Cairo. As my right hon. Friend the Minister of State said on 24th June in this House, we should like to have fuller diplomatic representation in Cairo.
The Saudi Arabian Government broke off diplomatic relations on 6th November, 1956, giving as their reason the Suez conflict.
There are no obstacles on the side of Her Majesty's Government to the resumption of diplomatic relations, and the Saudi Arabian Government have been so informed for a long time past.
§ Mr. YatesIs my right hon. and learned Friend aware that his reply will be satisfactory to the people of this country, who will be glad to know that there is no obstacle to resuming relations with the Arab world, in particular the United Arab Republic and Saudi Arabia?
§ Mr. HealeyCan the Foreign Secretary say whether there is any truth in reports that diplomatic relations with the United Arab Republic may be resumed before the New Year? Secondly, can he say whether the dispute over the Buraimi Oasis is still an obstacle to diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia?
§ Mr. LloydIn reply to the first supplementary question, we have had no 1150 communication through official channels to that effect. As regards the second matter, our view is that if there is a dispute between two countries, that is a reason for having diplomatic relations so that it can be discussed.
§ Mr. WyattWhat is the Foreign Secretary actually doing to try to get diplomatic relations with the United Arab Republic, apart from just stating that he is willing to have them again?