§ 2.52 p.m.
§ LORD VANSITTARTMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, to avoid any possible misunderstanding, it has been made plain to the Persian Government that any forcible attempt on Bahrein would be repelled.]
THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (THE MARQUESS OF READING)My Lords, Her Majesty's Government have on numerous occasions rejected the Persian claim to Bahrein and they have informed the Persian Government that Bahrein is a State under British protection. The Persian Government have at no time indicated that they contemplate the use of force against Bahrein. But Her Majesty's Government are fully prepared to discharge their responsibilities as Protecting Power, and it follows that they would resist any attempt to use force.
§ LORD VANSITTARTMy Lords, I thank the noble Marquess for his reply. May I be allowed to express the view that I think it will have a useful effect?