§ 18. Mr. Mayhewasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions have been held between the French and British Governments to restart negotiations for a general settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict.
§ Mr. GodberWe are in constant touch with the French Government, as with other Governments concerned, about the developing situation in the Middle East.
§ Mr. MayhewDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the proposals for an interim solution seem to have failed and that in the meantime Israel's actions in Jerusalem and Gaza, which are widely deplored, are making a peaceful settlement more difficult? Will he therefore get together with the French Government in order to try to make further progress on a general settlement along the lines of the American peace proposals, which are almost universally agreed?
§ Mr. GodberI share the hon. Gentleman's concern to make progress in this matter and his disappointment that we have not made it yet. But I cannot share his view that the interim proposals of the United States Government have failed. Discussions are still continuing, and we must give time to make clear whether those negotiations succeed or not.
§ Mr. KaufmanDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree that it would be as well to persuade the various Arab Governments to stop fighting amongthemselves in order to put them in a posture to negotiate peace with Israel? Will he take steps to interview the various Jordanian terrorists who have crossed into the relative peace of Israel and ask them who they would like to negotiate on their behalf?
§ Mr. GodberThe Question on the Order Paper, as I understood it, related to specific discussions which were going on, largely between Israel and the United 1082 Arab Republic. I would not wish to comment on the wider issues the hon. Gentleman has raised.