§ 19. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations have been made to the United Arab Republic about that country's decision to prevent the passage of goods for Rhodesia through the Suez Canal.
§ Mr. ThomsonThe position remains as described in my reply on 29th November to the hon. Gentleman the Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall). So far as I am aware, no goods have been confiscated by the United Arab Republic authorities in this connection.
§ Mr. AllaunBut is it not a fact that the U.A.R. has given such instructions to the canal authorities? Will Her Majesty's Government support such measures, particularly as the Security Council is meeting today to consider strengthening economic sanctions?
§ Mr. ThomsonThere is another Question on the possibility of the Security Council taking further action. The resolution of 20th November did not include anything which could be taken as referring to stopping the transit of goods through the canal, and I have no knowledge of any such instructions having been issued by the U.A.R. Government.