HC Deb 05 May 1969 vol 783 cc9-10
6. Mr. Mayhew

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in the four-Power discussions on the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

I have nothing to add to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Minister of State gave on 28th April to my right hon. Friend the Member for Easington (Mr. Shinwell).—[Vol. 782, c. 928.]

Mr. Mayhew

While welcoming the previous reply, which indicated that good progress has been made by the four-Power talks, could we be assured that they are taking place within the scope of the November, 1967, Resolution?

Mr. Roberts

Yes, indeed. The talks are directed to a very careful examination of all the subjects contained in the November, 1967, Resolution.

Mr. Philip Noel-Baker

Will my hon. Friend consider this as a very urgent matter since every day the present fighting continues it means that the Charter of the United Nations is more and more becoming regarded as a scrap of paper?

Mr. Roberts

We are fully seized of the urgency of the situation for the reasons given by my right hon. Friend.

Sir C. Osborne

Since the Soviet Union now seem to have the greatest power in the Middle East, are Her Majesty's Government keeping in close touch with Moscow on this vital issue and are they getting all the co-operation which they desire?

Mr. Roberts

Apart from the four-Power talks, there are bilateral talks going on. We welcome this as we welcome the Soviet initiative of 2nd January.

Mr. Heffer

Is it not clear that if the Arab countries were prepared to accept and recognise the existence of Israel real progress could be made in relation to a peace settlement?

Mr. Roberts

This is a fundamental part of the overall settlement for which we are working.