§ 11. Mr. Mayhewasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consultations he has had with the French Government with a view to co-ordinating their efforts to secure a peaceful settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict.
§ Mr. LuardWe have had regular and close consultations with the French Government about the settlement of the Arab-Israeli dispute. Details of these exchanges must remain confidential.
§ Mr. MayhewIn view of the disagreements between the Russians and the Americans, would my hon. Friend agree that there is no hope of a four-Power agreement unless there is strong and concerted action by the French and British Governments aimed at implementing the Security Council Resolution and inducing the Israelis to withdraw and working out and contributing to a security system on her frontiers?
§ Mr. LuardIt is too early to say that the bilateral talks between the United States and the Soviet Union have broken down. They are, in fact, continuing. But we are in close touch with the French Government about the means of securing a settlement, and if the appropriate 15 moment arose we might well wish to intervene in the way suggested by my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerWhat are Ministers doing beyond the suggestion to produce a European approach to this problem?
§ Mr. LuardThe hon. Gentleman knows that this matter is being discussed by the four Powers in New York. That is the appropriate forum for it. Only the four Powers have power to authorise Ambassador Jarring to carry on his discussions in the Middle East. We regard this as the appropriate method of dealing with the situation.