§ 11. Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the latest position regarding possible United Kingdom logistical support for a strengthened United Nations force in Lebanon.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweI was able to discuss the situation earlier today with the United Nations Secretary General. Her Majesty's Government have emphasised to all the parties the need for agreed and effective security arrangements in areas to be vacated by Israeli forces. A United Nations presence could play a valuable part in these arrangements. It is important that all the Governments concerned, not least the Lebanese, should now make practical proposals to that end.
§ Mr. LathamDoes my right hon. and learned Friend welcome the Israeli withdrawal, which is beginning, and will he ensure that some early steps are taken to fill the vacuum, otherwise there may be serious inter-communal massacres?
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweThat was the point of my answer. We welcome the fact that the withdrawal is to commence and we look for early, complete and orderly Israeli withdrawal. If that withdrawal is to be orderly, it requires co-operation with the Lebanon and with other countries, and full consideration of the effects of that on the stability of the area and the safety of civilians. That is why I have emphasised the importance of all the Governments concerned making practical proposals for possible United Nations presence in this area.
§ Mr. HealeyI welcome the Foreign Secretary's statement that he has discussed this matter with Mr. Perez de Cuellar and agree with the sentiments that he has expressed. The Opposition would welcome a British contribution to a United Nations force if this were required, and if conditions laid down by the Foreign 976 Secretary were met, we would be satisfied. Does the Foreign Secretary agree, in the light of our experience of the ill-fated international force in Beirut, that before agreeing to put British troops into such a force it is vital that there should be the most precise definition of its role, and clear and strict arrangements governing consultation among components in the force about the possible use of weapons by the force?
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweI am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for his acceptance of our view that the United Nations presence could have an important part to play in this area. He will appreciate that there are already substantial United Nations forces there, in UNIFIL or the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation, and in other sectors as well. It is important that the conditions in which there are invited to play a part should be clearly defined along the lines that the right hon. Gentleman described. This is why I stress the need for early proposals, particularly from the Lebanese Government, to that end. Any question of an increase in the size of the United Nations force might arise hereafter. A British troop contribution has not been requested. We take the view that we are well placed, and remain better placed, to help on the logistical side of such an organisation.