HC Deb 10 February 1960 vol 617 cc448-9
38. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the present situation in the demilitarised zone south-east of the Sea of Galilee on the Israeli-Syrian border; and whether he will state the number of United Nations observers stationed in the area.

Mr. Profumo

I understand that the Chief of Staff of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation has called on both sides to withdraw all forces from the demilitarised zone, and is discussing with them the terms of a meeting to deal with the problems which gave rise to the recent clash.

There are no permanent United Nations observation posts in the demilitarized area and no observer was present at the time of the incidents.

Mr. Henderson

In view of the fact that any outbreak of hostilities in this part of the world is of direct concern to the United Nations, do Her Majesty's Government consider it highly desirable that a force of United Nations observers should be stationed on the borders of Israel and her Arab neighbours?

Mr. Profumo

I would rather await the outcome of the present discussion before saying anything further.