HC Deb 22 February 1961 vol 635 cc491-2
7. Sir L. Plummer

asked the Lord Privy Seal what arrangements have been made by Her Majesty's Government concerning the establishment in London of an office of the Arab League.

Mr. Heath

Her Majesty's chargéd' Affairs in Cairo recently informed the Secretary-General of the Arab League that Her Majesty's Government could agree to his proposal to open an Arab League office in London.

Sir L. Plummer

Does the Lord Privy Seal appreciate that in all quarters of the House there will be a welcome for any step that will improve relations, so abruptly severed, between this country and the Arabs at the time of Suez, and that, therefore, we welcome the fact that the Arab League office is coming here? But has it been made clear to the Arab League that this office is not welcome here if it is to be used to spy on British firms trading with Israel, or organising a boycott against trading with Israel, or publishing anti-semitic propaganda here? Will the head of this office have diplomatic status?

Mr. Heath

We want this office to conduct itself in the normal and proper manner. The head of the office will not have diplomatic status.