ANGLO-EGYPTIAN RELATIONS

HC Deb 18 July 1966 vol 732 cc22-3

24. Mr. Dickens

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps Her Majesty's Government are taking to improve Anglo-Egyptian relations.

Mr. Padley

It was the United Arab Republic who broke off diplomatic relations with this country in December last, so terminating the dialogue which Her Majesty's Government initiated in 1964. In all the circumstances, there seems little we can do at present, though we should, of course, welcome any genuine improvement in relations.

Mr. Dickens

Is my hon. Friend aware that this is a most disappointing reply? Is he further aware that in a remarkable statement made by President Nasser in an interview given to the editor of The Guardian newspaper published today, he categorically asserts that this country is supplying combat pilots with the Lightning fighters at present being sold to Saudi Arabia? Is my hon. Friend aware that this is highly detrimental to Anglo-Egyptian relations, and will he confirm whether or not this is the case?

Mr. Padley

That is, of course, another question, but I must repeat that the Government of the U.A.R. have not expressed to us any willingness to resume diplomatic relations. If they do so, we shall consider any such request.

Mr. Fisher

Is it not very difficult indeed to re-establish normal diplomatic relations with a country which is quite deliberately inciting murder and violence in a territory for which we are still responsible?

Mr. Padley

No doubt, that is one of the problems, though that was not the ground on which diplomatic relations were broken.