Iran (Foreign Minister)

HC Deb 21 March 1979 vol 964 cc1480-2

9. Mr. Litterick

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will meet the Iranian Foreign Minister in the near future.

Dr. Owen

I am ready to meet the Foreign Minister of Iran when a mutually suitable opportunity presents itself.

Mr. Litterick

Can the Foreign Secretary confirm the statement by the Secretary of State for Defence yesterday that CENTO must now be considered to be at an end? Will he indicate to the House whether it is the intention of the Government to start any negotiations or talks with any of the nations formerly involved in CENTO to reconstitute any alliance of a similar character?

Dr. Owen

No, I do not think that it is our intention to do so. It is for the regional members themselves to decide the future of CENTO. When two of the three regional members have made clear that they do not want CENTO to continue, it is much better to encourage discussion among the regional members themselves than for the British Government to take any initiative.

Mr. Viggers

While the Government must, of course, develop links with the present Iranian Government, does not our previous ally deserve some consideration as well? Does it reflect well on this country's integrity that we have discarded our previous ally, the Shah, so comprehensively? Will the Foreign Secretary say whether the Shah is welcome here, and, if not, why not?

Dr. Owen

The Government apply to these sorts of situations the traditional role which Britain has played through the centuries.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

When the Foreign Secretary meets the Iranian Foreign Secretary, will he have a discussion with him to see to what extent the Iranian Government would support him if we were to take over the former Shah's estate here in Great Britain and use it as a hospital or place for some of our underprivileged people? Some millions of pounds are involved. As the Iranian Government look upon this man as a criminal, no doubt they would support such a move.

Dr. Owen

We do not believe in the expropriation of property. We shall not support it in our own country or anywhere else.

Mr. Temple-Morris

When the Foreign Secretary sees the Iranian Foreign Minister, will he concentrate, rather than upon the Shah, upon the lives of those at present in Iran? Will he make it clear that this House and Her Majesty's Government deplore this not very glorious revolution's execution of no fewer than 48 political people without trial, and 16 others, apart from a lot of general killing night by night in various cities in Iran? Will he make Her Majesty's Government's position quite clear and support Prime Minister Bazargan's appeal to the Ayatollah Khomeini?

Dr. Owen

I think it is very important that we take account of the human rights on each side, both before and afterwards. I believe that we should make our representations in much the same way as we did with the previous regime, privately. I noticed the important statement made by Prime Minister Barzargan, and I think that it was welcomed by all Members of the House.