Arab Organisations (London Office)

HC Deb 24 July 1972 vol 841 cc1301-2

18. Mr. Clinton Davis

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations have been made to him by Governments of Arab States concerning the proposed opening in London of an office representing Arab terrorist organisations.

Mr. Godber

None, Sir, but a number of Governments have been in touch with us about the possibility that the Palestine Liberation Organisation might open an office in London.

Mr. Davis

Will the right hon. Gentleman specify more clearly what sort of representations have been made by other Governments? Is it not a fact that the Foreign Office has been in touch with representatives of this terrorist organisation and that discussions have taken place? To what extent have they taken place? Does not the pusillanimous attitude of the Government about this whole issue owe more to the politics of oil than to the politics of humanity?

Mr. Godber

I reject entirely the comments of the hon. Member. There has been nothing pusillanimous about this. We were asked what the law was in this country. We gave the correct answer and I am sure the hon. Member would not have wished us to give an incorrect one.

Mr. Tapsell

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a widespread belief in Arab capitals at the present time that the opposition to the opening of this organisation's office in London is being inspired by Israeli pressure. Will he make it absolutely clear that those of us on both sides of the House opposed to this organisation being allowed to open such an office would be equally opposed to terrorist organisations coming from Israel, Ulster or anywhere else and opening offices?

Mr. Godber

Yes. I do not think this is a question of pressure from organisations. As to the law of this country, I and others have made it abundantly clear that there is nothing to prevent an organisation from opening an office in this country, but there is a great deal against individuals who are connected with terrorist organisations being involved. This is where the visa system has been operated in the past and it has always been effective.

Mr. Paget

So we may take it that there is no objection to the IRA opening an office in London?

Mr. Godber

That is not what I said. I was referring to organisations whose activities are not outside the law.

Mr. Hugh Fraser

But surely, quite apart from what Arab or other countries feel about it, my right hon. Friend is aware that there is fury in this country that terrorists should be allowed to open an office here.

Mr. Godber

I must repeat that this organisation as such is not a terrorist organisation. [Hon. Members: "Oh."] There are, no doubt, those who are members of it—certainly of some of the other organisations—who come within those terms, but the PLO as such is not a terrorist organisation. It is part of the Arab League. It has representatives who attend regularly at the United Nations in New York and it is the only political organisation which represents Arab refugees. It is, therefore, not right to refer to it in that way. I have indicated the way in which we can maintain control, and that is the position under British law.

Mr. Davis

On a point of order. In view of the grotesque and unsatisfactory way in which my Question was answered, I give notice that I shall seek to raise this matter at the earliest opportunity.