§ 55. Mr. Healeyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent it is Her Majesty's Government's policy to seek the co-operation of the Soviet Government in maintaining a balance of arms among Middle Eastern countries, as laid down in the Tripartite Declaration.
§ Mr. R. AllanIn the view of Her Majesty's Government, it is the duty of the great Powers to show restraint in the supply of arms to the countries of the Middle East. This view is well known to the Government of the Soviet Union,
§ Mr. HealeyCan the Joint Undersecretary tell the House whether the Government are in negotiation with the Soviet Union in order to reach some formal agreement on this matter? Surely, as was pointed out by my hon. and learned Friend in his supplementary question, it is highly undesirable that the countries of the Middle East should waste their money piling up armaments when agreement between the great Powers might make this unnecessary?
§ Mr. AllanWe are fully aware of the dangers of an arms race in the Middle East or anywhere else. That is why we attach such particular importance to the 10-Power Conference opening in Geneva.
§ Mr. HealeyCan the Joint Under-secretary say whether the Government are in negotiation with the Soviet Union, the United States and France to obtain agreement on this matter? Declarations of intent are surely irrelevant here.