HC Deb 26 February 1968 vol 759 cc937-40
26. Mr. G. Campbell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation in the Middle East.

44. Mr. Colin Jackson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the current situation in the Middle East.

46. Mr. Ridsdale

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a further statement on the work of the United Nations special representative in the Middle East, and, in particular, the progress that is being made to secure the reopening of the Suez Canal.

74. Mr. Walters

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation in the Middle East.

Mr. George Brown

I explained the situation to the House on 24th January. I do not think that any further statement on my part would be helpful or appropriate at present while the mission of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the Middle East is in progress.

Mr. Campbell

Are the Government considering further action towards a settlement in order to supplement the work of the United Nations representative Mr. Jarring and also to be taken when he has exhausted all the possibilities which are open to him?

Mr. Brown

I have no reason to think that such a moment will arise. We are at the moment working closely with him, closely with the United Nations, closely with the parties directly concerned and with our friends and allies in order to make a success of the mission. I believe this to be the likeliest way in which we shall reach a solution of this very complex problem. I am sure that we shall continue to work as we are at the moment.

Mr. Jackson

Bearing in mind the United Nations resolution on Jerusalem and our own resolution of 22nd November, what representations have Her Majesty's Government made to the Israeli Government concerning their tightening economic and political grip on Old Jerusalem?

Mr. Brown

We are in touch with both the Israeli Government and the Arab Governments about things which are done by any of them which make this a more difficult problem to solve. I do not wish to seek out anyone for public mention here, but my hon. Friend may take it quite certainly that I am in touch with each of them about the need for not making the problem more difficult than it inevitably is.

Mr. Ridsdale

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some of us think that he is being complacent about this, especially over the Suez Canal? The resolution of the United Nations was passed on 22nd November. What further steps are being taken at the United Nations to raise this question again, in view of the long time it is taking? It is urgent that something be done soon.

Mr. Brown

It is the impatience which the other side of the House show which led to the original Suez disaster. There is a good deal to be said for patience here. I can think of nothing which would contribute less at this moment than the course which the hon. Gentleman recommends, namely, taking the matter back for public debate in the United Nations. I am sure that the right thing is to try to create a situation in which the Jarring mission can succeed. If I have the hostility of right hon. and hon. Members opposite on this question, I am very glad to have it.

Mr. Shinwell

Is not my right hon. Friend correct and wise in his statement that a negotiated settlement between the United Arab Republic and the State of Israel is much more likely to succeed than intervention by the United Nations? Is it not possible that the grant of a loan to the United Arab Republic, with certain conditions relating to passage through the Suez Canal, an assurance to the State of Israel of security in the future and possible negotiations between the two parties, would be likely to provide a solution?

Mr. Brown

One of the things which the Jarring mission may well succeed in doing—I hope that it will—is to lead towards a situation in which the various parties concerned—there are more than two—can come to direct negotiations; but that will come by stages, and I agree with my right hon. Friend that the right thing to do is to encourage it to come there. As to the security of Israel, I do not regard that as linked with any financial arrangements involving the United Arab Republic. As I said earlier, the question of a loan does not really arise. If I can reach Question No. 35, I shall answer it and state what the position is.

Mr. Walters

As the United Nations resolution provides the best hope of a settlement in the Middle East, is the right hon. Gentleman in close touch with the United States Government to see that they use some influence to try to bring about a settlement on both sides?

Mr. Brown

Very much so. The contact between us is very close, both at Foreign Secretary level and at Ambassador level in New York. We are working closely together on the subject.