HC Deb 23 January 1964 vol 687 cc1266-8
Q5 . Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the serious situation in the Middle East arising from the dispute over the Jordan waters, the recent Cairo conference of Arab heads of state and the joint responsibility of the two governments under the Tripartite Declaration of 1951, he will discuss with President Johnson on his forthcoming visit the Johnston Unified Water Plan for the Middle East as a possible basis of settlemen

The Prime Minister

My talks with President Johnson will cover many problems of common concern but the discussions will be confidential. I do not think it would be right for me to refer to the Agenda in public in advance of our meeting.

Mr. Henderson

Would not an agreement, if achieved, on the basis of the Johnston Unified Water Plan be equitable to both sides? Will the Prime Minister consult President Johnson with a view to persuading the Arab riparian States to consider this plan?

The Prime Minister

I will consider the right hon. and learned Gentleman's point of view.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

Is it not true that the Johnston Unified Water Plan has been discussed for a very long time and that the Arab States will not accept it at present? Therefore, there seems no option but for Israel to go ahead with its part of the plan. Is it not a waste of time trying to get the Arabs into a frame of mind to accept this plan?

The Prime Minister

I do not think that there would be much advantage in my pursuing this matter by question and answer at the moment.

Sir B. Janner

Has consideration been given to the fact that the Israel plans come solely within the territory of Israel, that these are no concern of any other territory and that Jordan has already proceeded with the water plan, on her territory, without consulting anybody else? The courageous and energetic attempts being made by Israel to arrest the desert should be encouraged and not deprecated by anybody, and we will not put up with the kind of blackmail being used by the Arab States. [An Hon. Member: "Who are 'we'?"]

The Prime Minister

An hon. Member says. "Who are 'we'?". I think that, on the whole, it is better for the House to leave the matter as it is at the moment.