§ 2. Mr. Lathamasked the Lord Privy Seal whether, during the forthcoming visit to Israel, the Secretary of State will make it a priority to seek to bring about a substantial and continuing improvement in relations between Her Majesty's Government and the Government and people of the State of Israel; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr. Douglas Hurd)We certainly aim to maintain excellent relations with Israel. My right hon. and noble Friend hopes that his visit to Israel will help.
§ Mr. LathamAs relations are currently poor and the fault is not all on one side, will my right hon. Friend confirm that when the Secretary of State goes to Israel it will be not only to put over Western perceptions and policies, but to listen to the views of the people and Government of Israel?
§ Mr. HurdYes, Sir. There are genuine differences of view between the British and Israeli Governments. However, there have been many unnecessary misunderstandings, which we are beginning to clear away. I certainly accept that that means consulting both sides.
§ Mr. David WatkinsWhen the Secretary of State visits Israel, will he make it clear to the Israeli Government that they can do a great deal to improve relations with Britain by ending what appears to be their on-going policy of illegal annexation, colonisation and, indeed, armed attacks against other countries?
§ Mr. HurdWe have made clear at the United Nations and elsewhere our rejection of the Israeli action over East Jerusalem and, more recently the Golan Heights. Therefore, there is no misunderstanding about that.
§ Mr. LawrenceIs my right hon. Friend aware that the best single approach is for the Foreign Secretary to give his complete encouragement and support for the furtherance of the autonomy talks and negotiations that are a continuation of the Camp David settlement, which has the agreement of both Egypt and the United States?
§ Mr. HurdI wish those talks well, but my hon. and learned Friend will have noticed the point repeatedly made by the Egyptian President in public that there is a stage beyond which one cannot discuss the future of Palestinian lands without the Palestinians.
§ Dr. M. S. MillerThere could be an exaggeration on the part of some people in respect of Israel's desire for security, but does the right hon. Gentleman accept that the security of the Israeli people is paramount in their minds, regardless of the fact that we may feel that they are pursuing it in a way with which we do not agree? Will his right hon. and noble Friend the Foreign Secretary make clear to the Israeli leaders his views and those of Her Majesty's Government and thereby allay Israel's fears about security in future?
§ Mr. HurdSecurity is paramount in the minds of the Israelis, just as Palestinian self-determination is paramount in the minds of the Arabs. We must find a way to reconcile those two objectives.