HC Deb 29 January 1973 vol 849 cc918-9
10. Mr. Goodhart

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a further statement about Her Majesty's Government's policy in the Middle East.

Lord Balniel

The policy of Her Majesty's Government in the Middle East remains to do all they can to help towards a peaceful settlement on the basis of Security Council Resolution 242 of November 1967.

Mr. Goodhart

Does my right hon. Friend recognise that the signing of the cease-fire in Vietnam may lead to the intensification of the efforts of some arms salesmen to increase their supplies to the Middle East? Will he give an assurance that we will do everything possible at this moment to see that the arms balance is not upset?

In view of the failure of the United Nations to take any effective lead against terrorism, can my right hon. Friend say whether his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs will be having discussions with the American Government when he goes to Washington about the possibility of implementing a more effective anti-terrorist policy?

Lord Balniel

We judge requests for military equipment from any participants in the Middle East conflict on their merits. We would not sell arms which in our view would increase the possibility of any resumption of hostilities. Of course we deplore all terrorism. Various suggestions have been put forward about how the nations can combat it. My right hon. Friend will have taken note of the remarks of my hon. Friend.

Mr. Kaufman

Will the Government abandon their policy of ganging up with the French at the United Nations on Middle East affairs in a way which undermines Resolution 242, to which the right hon. Gentleman has referred, bearing in mind that if the acceptability of Resolution 242 to all parties involved is destroyed, so will the prospects of peace in the Middle East be?

Lord Balniel

The basis of the hon. Gentleman's question is entirely fallacious. In our view Resolution 242 remains the generally agreed basis for a settlement of the Arab/Israeli dispute and until a more constructive resolution can be put forward, that will be the basis to which we adhere.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

Nevertheless, is it not time that there was a completely new initiative, certainly under the auspices of the United Nations, based on the general acceptability which still continues of Resolution 242 and the availability of Dr. Jarring's good offices? Have the Government any intention of instigating such an initiative, possibly through the Secretary-General?

Lord Balniel

The right hon. Gentleman's question is in two parts. On the one hand he said that there should be a completely new initiative. On the other hand he said that we should adhere to the basis of Resolution 242. On that basis we will certainly, with other countries interested in the dispute, do our utmost to achieve a peaceful settlement.