Iran

HC Deb 13 June 1979 vol 968 cc411-2

1. Mr. Dickens

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will reconsider the British Government's recognition of the Government of Iran.

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr. Douglas Hurd)

The last Government extended recognition to the new Iranian Government in mid-February. We are not proposing to reconsider this decision.

Mr. Dickens

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Iranian executions still continue without much trial and with little appeal, that our friends in Rhodesia have been waiting so long to be recognised, and that people in this country feel that we have double standards?

Mr. Hurd

My hon. Friend will see that there are a number of questions about Rhodesia on the Order Paper. I should emphasise that recognition does not equal approval of the way that Governments run their internal affairs. My right hon. and noble Friend has already expressed the shock that we feel at recent political trials and executions in Iran.

There are 500 British nationals living in Iran, there are scores of British firms trying to sort out their relations with the new Government, and it is essential in the British interest that we should be fully represented there.

Mr. Grimond

Is the Minister able to say whether the Iranian Government are proposing to pay compensation for British firms which have been nationalised? Will he also give more information about the position of these firms, particularly oil firms? Are they now operating satisfactorily?

Mr. Hurd

The latest announcement from Tehran about the nationalisation of the banks specifically referred to and provided for compensation. Other firms find themselves in different situations. Her Majesty's ambassador and his staff are doing their best to help each firm to sort out the difficulty in which it finds itself.

Mr. Aitken

Will my hon. Friend give an assurance that the normal diplomatic courtesies, including an entry visa, would be extended to the Shah of Iran should he wish to come to this country?

Mr. Hurd

The Shah has many ties of friendship here, which we recognise. He has not expressed any desire to come here and appears not to have that intention. My hon. Friend will have seen that recently he has moved to Mexico.

Mr. Winnick

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that those of us who were only too pleased to see the end of the rule of the Shah—and we certainly do not want to see him in Britain—are waiting to see the establishment of the rule of law in Iran?

Mr. Hurd

The situation in Iran is enormously confused and may remain so for some time. However, that does not affect the need for this country to be fully represented there.