§ Q10. Sir J. Langford-Holtasked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on his talks with King Faisal of Saudi Arabia.
§ The Prime MinisterAs the Answer is rather long, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Sir J. Langford-HoltCan the Prime Minister say whether these talks cover the question of the international status of the Gulf of Aqaba and expressions of opinion made on both sides?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. Two of the three talks had taken place before the crisis arose in the Middle East. When it arose we indicated to His Majesty our views on the position. He said categorically, and he said publicly later in the day, that if it was a question of a confrontation of the Arab States and Israel, whatever his difference with other Arab States, he would be solidly ranged with them against Israel. In these circumstances, the Gulf of Aqaba question could not be pursued further.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesCan my right hon. Friend tell us if King Faisal came here to get more armaments, and did he explain what he wanted the armaments for?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. He did not come here to get more armaments. He came here for a general discussion on questions of interest to both of us in the Middle East.
§ Mr. HeathCan the Prime Minister say whether the talks covered the problem of Buraimi and whether proposals for resolving the difficulties there were made? Secondly, can he say whether they covered the problem of Aden and whether this influenced the Government's policy? When may we have a statement to remove uncertainty about Aden?
§ The Prime MinisterThe talks certainly covered the question of South Arabia and Aden in the present situation and of prospects after independence. It is, I think, no secret that the Saudi-Arabian Government and we do not see eye to eye on all aspects of this matter, but there was no difference at all about the question of independence being given. As to a statement, I will certainly consult my right hon. Friend to see whether one can be made.
§ Mr. ShinwellIf this gentleman did not come here in order to obtain arms for his country, having regard to the situation he must have envisaged, in heaven's name why did he come here? What was the reason for the lavish hospitality? What 791 did Her Majesty's Government get in return for it?
§ The Prime MinisterMy right hon. Friend will know that a very large number of distinguished Heads of Government and Heads of State come—
§ Mr. ShinwellYou do not call him distinguished, do you?
§ The Prime MinisterMy right hon. Friend will know that a large number of distinguished Heads of Government and Heads of State come here not to buy arms. They come for discussions on questions of mutual interest. This was the position here. This was a State visit which we felt was well worth while. The present situation in the Middle East was not foreseen, and I do not think that the present situation in the Middle East in any way detracts from the value of the talks.
(Following is the answer):In addition to calling on His Majesty at Buckingham Palace, I had formal talks with him on two ocasions. I was assisted by my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and the Secretary of State for Defence, and the Minister of State at the Foreign Office, my right hon. Friend the Member for Dundee, East (Mr. George Thomson), and my hon. Friend the Minister of State at the Ministry of Technology. The talks consisted of exchanges of views on subjects of common interest, including the present crises in the Middle East and South Arabia. King Faisal's views do not, of course, always coincide with those of Her Majesty's Government, but the talks were notable for their frankness and cordiality, I am persuaded that they helped each side to a clearer understanding of the other's point of view and were therefore most valuable.