HL Deb 16 July 1974 vol 353 cc1001-4

2.57 p.m.

LORD SHINWELL

My Lords, I beg leave 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 a statement has been received containing a list of activities by Arab terrorists against people and property since March 1973; and whether Her Majesty's Government have considered raising the subject at the United Nations.

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE, FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (LORD GORONWY-ROBERTS)

My Lords, I have received the list sent to me by the noble Lord. Her Majesty's Government have repeatedly made it clear that they condemn all acts of terrorism. They have also played their full part in the United Nations and elsewhere in attempting to devise means of combating terrorism.

LORD SHINWELL

My Lords, may I thank my noble friend for that Answer and express the hope that if and when a submission is made to the United Nations it will receive objective consideration? May I further ask him, in view of occasional criticism even from some noble Lords in your Lordships' House, whether, because of reprisals by the State of Israel against terrorists, he would consider publishing in the OFFICIAL Report the list which I sent to him, so as to furnish information for those who are doubtful about the matter, thereby justifying to some extent the action taken by the State of Israel?

LORD GORONWY-ROBERTS

My Lords, I shall have to take the second suggestion very much under advisement, but I will indeed consider what my noble friend has said. On the first point, I entirely agree with him that we must continue to give not only objective support in the U.N. and elsewhere to all measures to combat terrorism, but indeed strong and constructive support. This country has done so in the past and I am quite sure it will do so in the future.

LORD JANNER

My Lords, while appreciating the fact that Her Majesty's Government have taken certain steps at the United Nations to condemn terrorism, may I ask whether my noble friend is aware of the fact that a large number of the members of the United Nations are (themselves harbouring these terrorists? Would it not be an idea that those nations which do not harbour the terrorists could be called together with a view to seeing what could be done? If that is not possible, would it be possible to ensure that those who harbour these terrorists are not allowed to vote at the United Nations when these matters are being discussed?

LORD GORONWY-ROBERTS

My Lords, as my noble friend knows, the United Kingdom has in fact taken a lead in proposing effective ways of bringing proper pressure to bear on any countries who are guilty of harbouring terrorists. But it is not enough for this country or, indeed, a minority of the membership of the United Nations to take these attitudes. If action in this sphere is to be effective, it is necessary that it should be collective.

LORD JANNER

My Lords, may I ask, as a supplementary question, whether it would not be an idea for those nations who do not harbour these arch-criminals to make some united declaration to the United Nations to the effect that there is no alternative way, that they condemn this action, and that the United Nations must do something about it?

LORD GORONWY-ROBERTS

My Lords, in fact this is continually being done. The latest resolution on this point was Resolution No. 347, which was very strongly supported by this Government. The United Kingdom is continually doing what my noble friend urges it to do.

LORD SHINWELL

My Lords, is my noble friend aware that I am fully seized of the complications and difficulties associated with this problem? In the circumstances, and knowing what the situation is in the Security Council of the United Nations, I am quite content to leave the matter to the common sense and good will of Her Majesty's Government.

LORD SEGAL

My Lords, I have not had the advantage of seeing this list, so may I ask my noble friend whether it also included acts of terrorism aiding and abetting those who have been attacking Her Majesty's subjects in Northern Ireland? Further, may I ask whether this list, if it is published, should not be amplified in that direction?

LORD GORONWY-ROBERTS

My Lords, this is a list furnished to me by my noble friend, giving details of acts of terrorism in the Middle East. Of course, it does not include any references to Northern Ireland or any other area. I suggest the point raised by the noble Lord, Lord Segal, is somewhat wide of the Question before us.

LORD WIGG

My Lords, would the noble Lord be kind enough to say whether he would ask the Government to publish a White Paper laying down the considerations that turn a terrorist into a respectable person, with particular regard to several members of the State of Israel who were not averse, not so long ago, to murdering British soldiers?

LORD GORONWY-ROBERTS

My Lords, frankly I do not think that would be at all helpful.

LORD SHINWELL

My Lords, is my noble friend aware that he should not pay the slightest attention to my noble friend Lord Wigg?