HC Deb 29 April 1963 vol 676 cc696-8
15. Mr. Mayhew

asked the Lord Privy Seal what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government with regard to relations with the United Arab Republic; and what proposals he has put forward for achieving a closer relationship.

Mr. Heath

Her Majesty's Government's policy is to establish friendly relations with the United Arab Republic based on respect for our mutual interest. The United Arab Republic received a balance of payments credit from Her Majesty's Government last August, and my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has just completed a successful four-day visit to Cairo.

Mr. Mayhew

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the movement for Arab unity has at the moment made more progress with rather more moderation than ever before? Will he agree that there is no necessary reason why our remaining interests and commitments in the Middle East should lead us into head-on collision with those who want Arab unity? Will he tell us more specifically what steps he is taking, for example in the Gulf, to prevent such a clash occurring?

Mr. Heath

There is a Question later on the Order Paper on which I define our attitude towards the proposed Federal United Arab Republic. I have said in my Answer that our relations should be based on respect for our mutual interest. There are certain British interests in the Gulf and in the Middle East which must be respected.

Sir B. Janner

Will the Lord Privy Seal in the course of his discussions on this point ensure that the United Arab Republic is made aware of the fact that we strongly resent the constant threat that is being expressed day after day to Israel, a fellow member of the United Nations, a threat of war? Will he ensure that the United Arab Republic is informed that any action of that sort is contrary to the United Nations Charter?

Mr. Heath

We greatly regret any propaganda tending to undermine the stability of the Middle East, and Her Majesty's Government's attitude is well known.

29. Sir J. Langford-Holt

asked the Lord Privy Seal what consultations have taken place between the signatories to the 1950 Tripartite Declaration following the re-establishment of the United Arab Republic.

Mr. Heath

The result of the tripartite talks in Cairo between Egypt, Syria and Iraq is that a federation of the three States is due to be set up within live months following a referendum on the Constitution and President. The federation has not therefore yet been established. As regards Her Majesty's Government's position under the Tripartite Declaration, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave on 8th April to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr. Grimond).

Sir J. Langford-Holt

As we are still bound by the 1950 Tripartite Declaration, does not my right hon. Friend think that the attitude of the three signatories to it, of which we are one, should be well known?

Mr. Heath

As to the last part of my hon. Friend's question, I gave an answer in the way I have mentioned in my substantive Answer, but, on the new federation of the United Arab Republic, it would be rather premature to make a statement at this time, before it comes into being.

Mr. Grimond

If it does come into being, do Her Majesty's Government then intend to open discussion with their partners in this Declaration?

Mr. Heath

We must be allowed latitude to decide our policy at the time.