HC Deb 11 April 1973 vol 854 cc1301-3
6. Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will instruct the British representatives at the United Nations to raise at the Human Rights Commission the continued failure of the Soviet authorities to permit Jewish persons to leave freely for Israel in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Julian Amery)

During the meeting of the Commission which ended on 6th April our representative, Sir Keith Unwin, spoke on two occasions in support of the right of individuals to leave their country and to return to it. He also said in particular that these rights were one of the basic factors for promoting international understanding and tolerance". He subsequently voted for the adoption of the draft principles on the right of everyone to leave any country, including his own, and to return to it, and so contributed to securing the adoption of the principles. The House will remember that these draft principles have been on the agenda for over 10 years, and their adoption is a significant step forward.

Mr. Janner

I appreciate greatly both the Minister's statement and his approach to this problem. However, does not he agree that the current show trials of Jewish people in outlying areas of the Soviet Union, together with the continued refusal of the Soviet authorities to release many scientists and others, is wholly abhorrent and uncivilised? Will he continue to use his best endeavours to draw to the attention of the Soviet authorities on appropriate occasions the very strong and humanitarian feelings of this House regarding the continuing persecution of Jewish people in the Soviet Union?

Mr. Amery

The general principle I have stated applies to every particular case, and very particularly to the Jews in the Soviet Union. Sir Keith Unwin's statement should be read as being full support for that case. We are watching with close interest what appears to be an improving climate in the Soviet Union towards the granting of exit visas.

Mr. Normanton

Would my right hon. Friend and the House care to note that hon. Members on both sides of the House are taking such steps as lie in their power to draw to the attention of the individuals to whom the Question refers —and, indirectly, to the authorities in Russia—the deep concern of all hon. Members at this thoroughly unacceptable situation?

Mr. Amery

I think that the Soviet authorities are well aware of the views held in all parts of this House on the matter.

Mr. Mayhew

Will the right to return to the country referred to in the Question include the right of Palestinians to return to Palestine, according to the United Nations resolution? Was this the same session of the Human Rights Commission which, by 18 votes to two, condemned Israel for war crimes against the Palestinians?

Mr. Amery

I understand that the Israeli authorities have allowed a certain number of family reunions to take place since 1967. As the hon. Gentleman knows, there is a scheme under which a large number of Arab visitors may enter Israel for temporary visits. We have frequently represented to the Israeli authorities that the more they can extend these arrangements to allow Palestinians to return to their homes the greater the contribution they will be making to a final settlement.

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