§ 2. Mr. Roseasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will now make a further statement on current negotiations with Libya.
§ Mr. GodberI would refer to the Answer I gave the hon. Member on 16th 3 November. The Libyan delegation to the current talks returned to Libya for the Muslim festivities at the end of Ramadan. We expect the talks to resume at a mutually convenient date, either here or in Tripoli.—[Vol. 806, c. 301–2.]
§ Mr. RoseIn view of the Foreign Secretary's recent statements on Resolution 242, which appear to place a different emphasis on this resolution, and in view of the close ties between Libya and Egypt, would the right hon. Gentleman give a firm undertaking that there can be no question of supplying Chieftain tanks to Libya?
§ Mr. GodberI do not think I need comment on Resolution 242. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State made our position perfectly clear about that. As for the question of the supply of tanks to Libya, Israel or any other country, we do not normally comment on particular deliveries.
§ Mr. FidlerBearing in mind that Libya has entered into an alliance with the United Arab Republic, can the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that any supplies of arms to Libya will be controlled so that they cannot be used against a neighbouring State, namely, Israel?
§ Mr. GodberThis is exactly the sort of consideration which we shall have in mind when dealing with any proposals about the supply of tanks.