Defence Minister of Iran (Hansard, 25 April 1978)

§ 11. Mr. Flannery
asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he has any plans to meet the Defence Minister of Iran.

§ Mr. Mulley
No. Sir.

§ Mr. Flannery
When my right hon. Friend does meet the Defence Minister of Iran, will he convey to him that there is deep feeling throughout this country about the number of students who have to cover their faces when they demonstrate against that terrible regime because of brutalities, tortures and reprisals against their relatives? Will he look carefully at any defence agreements that we have with that Defence Minister and ensure that the weapons are not turned inwards against the democrats in Iran instead of being used for legitimate defence purposes in that country?

§ Mr. Mulley
I am not sure that it would be the Defence Minister's responsibility to deal with the activities of students. We sell arms to Iran, which is a respected ally in CENTO. I feel that there is no reason why we should reconsider that decision.

§ Mr. Wall
Is it not clear that it is in our common interest that Iran should increase its forces in areas such as the Gulf and the Indian Ocean? Should we not do everything that we can to support our allies in CENTO?

§ Mr. Mulley
I agree that this is important. The leadership that Iran has established in that part of the world and the real international status that the Shah has achieved by his long experience are assets for stability in that difficult part of the world.