HC Deb 28 April 1969 vol 782 cc928-9
33. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what decision has been reached by the four-Power conference on their efforts to promote a settlement in the declared war by the Arab States against the State of Israel.

23. Mr. Roy Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress at the four-Power talks on the Middle East.

Mr. Mulley

Representatives of the four Powers have had four meetings since their first meeting in New York on 3rd April. It is clear that all four wish to make a success of the talks, but the House will not expect me to disclose details about their discussions.

Mr. Shinwell

Is it not clear that the Israeli Government have stated that no settlement is possible unless as a result of negotiations between themselves and the representatives of the Arab States? Further, how is it possible, for example, for the Soviet Union to adopt an objective attitude in view of their sending a large consignment of arms to the Arab States and, moreover, encouraging anti-Semitism in Russia?

Mr. Mulley

As my right hon. Friend will know, I cannot give answers on behalf of the Soviet Government. However, I think that the talks will serve an extremely important purpose if they succeed in their aim, which is to reach and define agreements on all matters dealt with in the Security Council resolution of November, 1967, which, the House will recall, was promoted by Her Majesty's Government. There is certainly no question, as my right hon. Friend knows, of the four Powers seeking to impose a solution, but if we could get four-Power agreement on these main issues arising from the resolution it will be an important step forward.

Sir A. V. Harvey

Does not the Minister of State agree that perhaps a good way to start this business would be to free the ships of Britain and the other nations which are tied up in the Bitter Lakes? A few weeks ago the Government were very optimistic that something was about to happen. When will it happen, and what is being done?

Mr. Mulley

Seven nations are in the unfortunate situation of having their ships detained in the Lakes. We have taken a leading part in trying to find a solution. It is a great disappointment that no solution has yet been found. This is one of the issues which would fall for solution if we could, through the four-Power talks, find a solution to the wider problem.

Mr. Mayhew

Are the four Powers carefully studying the peace proposals of King Hussein, which provided for the acceptance of Israel by the Arab countries and are a good example of the King's courage and good sense? While accepting that a settlement cannot be imposed, is it not clear from Israel's rejection of these proposals and also her rejection in advance of any settlement by the four Powers, that something more than persuasion will be needed if a settlement is to be reached?

Mr. Mulley

We had better postpone consideration of how best to implement the recommendations until we have the recommendations. I can assure my hon. Friend that the four Powers will be discussing the proposals of King Hussein, because, as I understand them, they are exactly in line and essentially the same as the items in the Security Council resolution.