§ 1. Mr. Douglasasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will report progress on the setting up of the Middle East peacekeeping force.
§ The Minhter of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr. Douglas Hurd)The United Kingdom, France, Italy and the Netherlands made clear in November their readiness to join in the Sinai multinational force and observers. We have recently confirmed this position to the Governments of Israel, Egypt and the United States of America. Discussions are now being held with the force's directorate-general on the detailed arrangements for the force.
§ Mr. DouglasWill the Minister give the House some detailed information on the recent response of the Israeli Government to the creation of the force? Do they clearly understand that the force has nothing whatsoever to do with the European initiative but is in direct line with the Camp David spirit and agreement?
§ Mr. HurdThe moves certainly follow and are part of the process laid down in the Egypt-Israeli peace treaty. There was, for a time, a question mark in the mind of the Israeli Government about this matter. It has now been sorted out and the plan is going ahead for a limited British contribution—probably a headquarters contingent of about 35 men.
§ Mr. Cyril D. TownsendMy right hon. Friend has given us the background to the creation of the force. Would it not be more satisfactory in the long run if the United Nations were to accept responsibility for the peace-monitoring duties? Will the Government work patiently towards that end?
§ Mr. HurdThis possibility was explored by the partners to the arrangement before we were asked to contribute, but it did not appear possible at that time.
§ Mr. MoyleWill the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that the conditions laid down by his right hon. Friend when he made his announcement on 23 November, and the context in which those conditions were laid down for European participation in the force, have remained unchanged as a result of the discussions which have been pursued since 23 November?