HC Deb 13 October 1969 vol 788 cc24-5
22. Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on developments in the Middle East.

Mr. M. Stewart

We are concerned about the continuing serious situation in the Middle East. We have always believed that a settlement is urgently needed and that there can be no prospect of a just and lasting peace in the absence of a general political settlement. I discussed the Middle East situation with other Foreign Ministers in New York last month; we expect the Four Powers to re-convene soon and shortly thereafter to provide guidance for Dr. Jarring.

Mr. Judd

I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for that reply. Does he agree that the principles set out in the November 1967 Resolution at the United Nations remain the only basis for a sound and lasting peace in the area? Will he assure the House that, whatever the pressures, the British Government will not become involved in escalation of arms supplies to the area?

Mr. Stewart

We have no doubt that that Resolution provides the essential foundation of a settlement. With regard to the second part of my hon. Friend's question, he will remember that immediately after the war it was the policy of this Government not to supply arms at all in the Middle East. We should have persisted in that policy if other Powers had taken the same view. I described to the House the principles on which our policy is now based in the debate to which earlier reference has been made.

Sir B. Janner

What progress has been made with regard to a settlement being arrived at by the two parties meeting together? Is not my right hon. Friend aware that unless they do meet together and thus negotiate with each other, which Israel is quite prepared to do, as he knows, there is very little hope of a settlement?

Mr. Stewart

I said recently at the United Nations that if the parties could meet so much the better. I have also said in this House that it was difficult for people to understand the reluctance of some of the parties to engage in direct negotiations. But I must add that if direct negotiations for any reason are not possible at present we should not assume that no other way of making progress can yield any hope in the present situation. Therefore, we must endeavour through the four Powers to strengthen the hands of Dr. Jarring and enable him to resume his work.