HC Deb 29 April 1963 vol 676 cc709-11
36. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Lord Privy Seal what information he has about the association of Egypt, Iraq and Syria for military purposes; and whether Her Majesty's Government are taking precautions to conserve British oil interests in the Middle East and prevent military conflict between a number of Arab countries and the State of Israel.

Mr. Heath

According to the communiqué issued in Cairo on 17th April, it is intended to establish a unified military command for the new federation within the next five months. The Federal Government will eventually be responsible for the subject of defence; but it will remain a regional responsibility during a transitional period to be agreed upon.

As regards the second part of the Question, the preservation of peace in the area is primarily a matter for the United Nations. We would play the fullest part in supporting the organisation's efforts. Our agreement with the Government of Kuwait to provide assistance on request and our commitments for the defence of other Gulf Sheikhdoms are a contribution to stability in the area, and we shall, of course, honour them.

Mr. Shinwell

Does not the Lord Privy Seal agree that the situation has become much more inflammatory than it has been for some considerable time; and that, apart from the danger that might accrue to British interests, particularly oil resources, there is a possibility of conflict between the new consortium of Arab States and the State of Israel? If this is a matter primarily for the United Nations, will not the right hon. Gentleman take early steps to ensure that the United Nations takes the whole situation into account and takes whatever appropiate action is necessary to preserve peace in that area?

Mr. Heath

In answer to an earlier Question I have already regretted propaganda which leads to an increase in tension in that area and is, therefore, a danger to the stability of the area. As to the threats which the right hon. Gentleman mentions, this federation, as I have said, has not yet come into being and there are various processes that have to be gone through before it can exist. It is, therefore, premature at this stage to take action of the kind the right hon. Gentleman suggests.

Mr. Shinwell

While I recognise that it may be premature to come to a conclusion about the possibilities inherent in this situation, can we not have an assurance from the right hon. Gentleman, on behalf of Her Majesty's Government, that in the event of any evidence of the possibility of a conflict in this area the Government will take whatever appropiate measures are within their power to prevent it?

Mr. Heath

Yes, Sir. We shall use all the influence we can in the area to reduce tension and prevent the possibility of conflict.

Sir J. Langford-Holt

As members of the United Arab Republic have already, both collectively and individually, proclaimed their intention to destroy the State of Israel, can my right hon. Friend make it quite clear that we still regard ourselves as bound by the 1950 Declaration?

Mr. Heath

I have explained our position in regard to the Declaration. It has never been retracted. The Declaration was an expression of the views of the three countries that signed it.

Mr. Gordon Walker

In view of the Lord Privy Seal's statement that the United Nations is primarily responsible for preserving peace in this area, would Her Majesty's Government give urgent consideration to the extension of the zone that is controlled and policed by the United Nations further north, round the boundary between Israel and the Arab States?

Mr. Heath

At the moment, the remaining Israeli boundary is with Jordan, and Jordan is not, and is not proposing to become, a member of the new United Arab Republic.

Mr. Mayhew

If the Jordan régime came under very heavy pressure, that boundary would be precisely the danger point for the whole of the Middle East. Would the right hon. Gentleman therefore not think that it would be wise to consider the possibility of United Nations presence there before trouble occurs, if it does?

Mr. Heath

I will certainly consider the hon. Member's question, but, of course, the United Nations on previous occasions has had a representative in Amman. Indeed, there was one there in 1958. It may be that arrangements can be made with the United Nations about this area.