HC Deb 20 May 1968 vol 765 cc6-7
5. Mr. Dewar

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs with what countries claims remain outstanding for compensation for damage to United Kingdom embassies during the Middle East crisis last summer.

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. William Rodgers)

A claim has been presented to Kuwait and claims will be presented to the Lebanon, Libya, the U.A.R., Iraq and Syria as soon as possible.

Mr. Dewar

Can my hon. Friend explain why there have been these very long delays in these countries and various other countries whilst Tunisia, for instance, settled very promptly, when in all cases the claims are of comparatively minor financial importance?

Mr. Rodgers

We must all regret the delay. It is partly due to the fact that there has been an absence of diplomatic relations between Britain and several of these countries, and also real difficulties in assessing the damage which was incurred.

Mr. Fortescue

Will the Under-Secretary of State tell the House whether any claim was made or compensation offered in respect of the aeroplane of our military attache in Jordan which was destroyed on the ground at Amman airfield by the Israeli Air Force?

Mr. Rodgers

Not without notice.