§ Q6. Sir John Langford-Holtasked the Prime Minister in reviewing the British defence rôle East of Suez, what consideration is being given by him to the fact that British shipping passing through the Suez Canal is subject to stopping and search by the Egyptian Government; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterI am not aware of any difficulty that has arisen in the 819 use of the Suez Canal for reinforcement and supply. The Defence Review will, of course, take account of the possibility of using various alternative routes to the east.
§ Sir J. Langford-HoltIs not the Prime Minister aware that the United Arab Republic claims the right to exercise belligerent rights in the Canal in the course of its war on Israel? Does he not agree that this must surely have an effect not only on his consideration but on the action of the Government in regard to this quite unwarrantable act?
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government expect the United Arab Republic Government to continue to honour the assurance of right of way for merchant and naval shipping of all nations in peace and war without discrimination of flag. With this statement in view, we intend to continue using the Canal as before.
§ Sir B. JannerWhilst my right hon. Friend is dealing with this matter, will he bring home to the Egyptian Government the fact that for many years they have committeed a breach of international law by not allowing the ships of a friendly nation, Israel, to pass through the Canal; and that this state of affairs cannot be allowed to continue?
§ The Prime MinisterThe question refers to British shipping, but I can assure my hon. Friend that I brought to the attention of the Egyptian Parliamentary delegation that I met on Monday our very strong view that Israeli shipping should be allowed to pass freely through the Suez Canal. This has been the view of successive Governments in this country, and all of them have insisted on the right of free passage through the Suez Canal for the past few years.