§ 4. Mr. Merlyn Reesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assurances he sought during recent discussions with the Syrian Foreign Minister that those Syrian Jews seeking to emigrate would now be allowed to do so; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr. Tim Renton)The local Jewish community has made it clear in the past that it does not wish its conditions to form part of Western ministerial exchanges with the Syrian Government. We have nevertheless left the Syrian Foreign Minister in no doubt of the strong feelings in this country on the question of human rights in Syria.
§ Mr. ReesCan the Minister of State help, perhaps by getting a parliamentary delegation to go and see the conditions in which about 4,500 Jews are living in Syria? Given the nature of the middle east, the conditions cannot be good, but the more information we have the better, because we must do something to get these people out of Syria.
§ Mr. RentonI listened carefully to what the right hon. Gentleman said. I am not certain that a parliamentary delegation would necessarily be the right avenue. However, he should discuss it, if he has not already done so, with Amnesty International. I understand the concern that he expresses. When I was in Damascus in December I raised the issue of a local Jewish community informally with a Jewish business man there. I was told that the only condition with which they are having real difficulty at the moment is the inability to travel outside Syria. Other than that, in many ways their conditions are much the same as those of other Syrian citizens.
§ Mr. WaltersIn the course of his talks, did my right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary also assure the Syrian Foreign Minister that Her Majesty's Government fully appreciated Syrian feeling about the future of the 100,000 Syrian civilians thrown out of Golan by the Israelis in 1967—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. The question concerns Syrian Jews.
§ Mr. Walters—and that feelings about humanitarian problems were not restricted to one section only?
§ Mr. RentonNeither my right hon. and learned Friend nor I raised the question of the Syrians who have been dispossessed as a result of the Israeli occupation of the Golan Heights. However, I accept what my hon. Friend has said. Syria is a party to the conflict between the Arabs and Israel. Syrian territory, the Golan, is occupied by Israel. We very much wish to see Syria play a constructive and helpful part in any peace settlement.
§ Mr. SpeakerI draw the attention of the House to the fact that this question concerns Syrian Jews.
§ Mr. FauldsMay I confirm what the hon. Gentleman has just said? On a previous visit to Syria I was told by a spokesman for the Jewish community that their lot was the much easier the less intervention and propaganda were made about their position.
§ Mr. RentonI thank the hon. Gentleman for what he has said. It is always pleasant to have one's remarks fully corroborated, from whatever source in the House.
§ Mr. Cyril D. TownsendWhat assurance has my hon. Friend had from the Israeli authorities that Syrian Jews emigrating to Israel will not end up dispossessing and disfranchising Palestinians on the West Bank and in Gaza?
§ Mr. RentonThe number of Syrian Jews emigrating to Israel at present is limited. We have an idea that a small number have had permission to leave. I understand my hon. Friend's point, but the numbers involved could only be very small.
§ Mr. MarlowOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I am sure that you are aware—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder.
§ Mr. Marlowrose—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I did not call the hon. Gentleman.