§ 27. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in his discussions with other interested States about the means of ending the loss and damage suffered by the economies of this and other countries resulting from the continued unlawful closure of the Suez Canal, he has treated the consent of the United Arab Republic as a necessary precondition to the reopening of this international waterway.
§ 57. Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress he has made in his efforts to secure the re-opening of the Suez Canal.
§ Mr. George BrownThe Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General is engaged on the task laid upon him by the Security Council Resolution of 22nd November. In appointing him U Thant asked Governments to give him their full co-operation; of course he has ours. Until Mr. Jarring has reported to the Secretary-General it would be wrong for me to say anything that might be construed as prejudicing his mission.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterWhile appreciating the limitations on the right hon. Gentleman, may I ask whether it is not a fact that Egypt's refusal to clear the Canal or allow it to be cleared involves a breach of her international obligations? Would he at least assure the House that action to clear the Canal will be taken before it is irretrievably silted up?
§ Mr. BrownIt is for the right hon. Gentleman to take authority and responsibility for his own remarks. On the whole, knowing as I do what is happening, I would rather not be drawn into that debate.
§ 28. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action he now proposes to take to secure the release of the British ships detained in the Bitter Lakes.
§ 75 Mr. Will Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a further statement about the British ships at present immobilised in the Suez Canal; and what proposals have now been made by Her Majesty's Government to the Government of Egypt to secure their release.
§ Mr. George BrownWe are in constant touch with the United Arab Republic authorities over this. Her Majesty's Ambassador in Cairo has now been given the programme for survey work in the Canal which has also been handed to General Odd Bull. I hope that this will lead to the release of the in the reasonably near future.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterHow long would the work to clear the southern end of the Canal take once it was allowed to start? Will the right hon. Gentleman use all his influence to secure that that work is set on foot at once and the ordeal of these crews and relief crews, for whom we all feel the greatest admiration, brought to an end?
§ Mr. BrownI am not sure about the ordeal of the crews and relief crews. I am in close touch with them. Of course, I am using all the influence I have to get the ships out. Whether they will come out by the southern or the northern end has still to be resolved, but I have great hopes that they will be out in the reasonably near future.