HC Deb 26 July 1978 vol 954 cc1537-9
6. Mr. Goodhart

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement about the progress of the Middle East peace talks.

9. Mr. Walters

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's reaction to the talks held in London between the Foreign Ministers of Egypt and Israel.

Mr. Judd

The United Kingdom was not a party to the talks, but we were glad to be able to offer the facilities of Leeds Castle. We believe that the meetings there helped the two sides to reach a closer understanding of each other's position, and should pave the way for further discussions in the coming weeks.

Mr. Goodhart

Does the Minister agree that the Government of Jordan should be directly represented in any serious discussion on the future of the West Bank? Did the Foreign Secretary discuss this point with King Hussein during the King's recent visit to this country?

Mr. Judd

We believe strongly that a viable solution will depend on commitment by all the parties in the area. Obviously the involvement of the Jordanian Government would help in that process. It is, however, for the Jordanian Government to decide at which point to commit themselves to discussions.

Mr. Walters

Since perhaps the most disappointing aspect of the talks was the continuing negative attitude of the Israeli Government about withdrawal from the occupied territories, will the Minister now consider putting forward with the other members of the EEC a proposal that there should be a period of international trusteeship for the West Bank and Gaza following an Israeli withdrawal?

Mr. Judd

We are prepared to consider any constructive ideas. We do not feel that this is the precise moment at which to put forward a new initiative of that kind, but we are willing to keep any proposals under consideration. It is quite clear that the Government's view is that, in the spirit of resolution 242, a solution will depend on the willingness of Israel to withdraw from the occupied territories.

Mr. Roy Hughes

is it not clear that the former terrorist Begin and his Government are intent on holding on to all the occupied territories, including Jerusalem and the West Bank? Is it not a fact that they also want peace, but that this is just not on? Does my hon. Friend agree that if Israel is to continue to exist it will have to change its attitude?

Mr. Judd

I think that, on reflection, my hon. Friend will agree that at this time we should all be making constructive observations in the hope that we can help a solution forward. Inflammatory language is best avoided at the moment. The Government's view is that it is in the interests not only of the international community but of Israel itself that Israel should face up to the implications of resolution 242 and accept the need for withdrawal from the occupied territories.

Mr. Aitken

If the Minister would like to make a constructive observation this afternoon, would he care to follow the example of Senator Jacob Javits, who had the courage to say quite firmly that he thought that obstructive tactics were being used by the Begin Government? Surely the British Government should be aware that Mr. Begin's insistence on the Old Testament claims to Judea and Samaria, as he calls them, instead of on meaningful negotiations on the future of the West Bank, is contrary to Western interests, and is probably contrary to Israel's interests too. Should not the Minister say so?

Mr. Judd

The most helpful way in which the British and any other Government can help is to emphasise the positive actions that need to be taken in finding a way forward. In that context we have made it plain that we do not accept the Israeli case about, for example, settlements in the occupied territories, and that we believe them to be unhelpful. We have made it plain that we believe that it is necessary to make progress on the lines of resolution 242 in achieving an Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories.

Mr. Hooley

Does my hon. Friend agree that one constructive step would be to strengthen the authority and effectiveness of the United Nations peacekeeping force in Southern Lebanon, which is being obstructed by a militia armed and financed by Israel?

Mr. Judd

I pay tribute to the United Nations force in Southern Lebanon, which, against very difficult odds, is behaving with considerable effectiveness and with distinction. If it is able to fulfil its task, and if all parties will cooperate in enabling it to do so, it will indirectly assist in the process of finding a solution in the Middle East, because it will regenerate confidence in the practical contribution that can be made by the international community through the United Nations.

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