HL Deb 12 November 1990 vol 523 cc117-9

2.58 p.m.

Lord Jenkins of Putney asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether it is the case that only 28 per cent. of the inhabitants of Kuwait are Kuwaitis, and if so whether this is being taken into account in deciding whether or not to launch a military attack.

The Minister of State, Department of Transport (Lord Brabazon of Tara)

My Lords, according to Kuwaiti statistics 28 per cent. of the inhabitants of Kuwait before the invasion were Kuwaitis. Since the Iraqi invasion thousands of Iraqi servicemen and civilians have entered the country and tens of thousands of Kuwaiti citizens have fled. The actual population of Kuwait now, and the proportion of Kuwaiti nationals, is not known.

Lord Jenkins of Putney

My Lords, is it not a most unusual situation in any country in which, to say the least of it, the majority of the people living in the country are not nationals of that country? Is it not the case, as is suggested in my Question, that that consideration must affect the question of whether it is possible to launch a successful military attack?

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, I do not think what the noble Lord said in the latter part of his Question necessarily follows. The point is that before the invasion of Kuwait, the Kuwaitis were able to decide who lived in their country. They have now been invaded by Iraq and have no means of stopping the Iraqis coming in.

The Lord Bishop of Manchester

My Lords, is the Minister aware that there is a growing feeling in this country, especially among the Churches, that the evil which could be released by offensive operations further than those already undertaken with forced sanctions would be much greater than the peaceful pursuance of sanctions?

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, I am not certain that I detect the growing feeling to which the right reverend Prelate refers. Having read an article in one newspaper this morning, I am not even sure that it is a view universally held within the Church. The point is that Iraq must be made to leave Kuwait. It must be made to comply with the relevant Security Council resolutions which provide for unconditional withdrawal from Kuwait.

Lord Mellish

My Lords, is the Minister aware that his last reply will certainly meet with a happy response from this side of the House? It does not matter a tuppenny damn who are Iraqis and who are not. Saddam Hussein has no right to walk into an undefended country like Kuwait and tear it apart.

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, the noble Lord is absolutely right. Fortunately that is what the United Nations decided in many resolutions passed since the illegal invasion.

Lord Hailsham of Saint Marylebone

My Lords, is it not a fact that the total obliteration, without the smallest justification, of a recognised member of the United Nations by another, if it were allowed to pass without resistance, would bring the whole fabric of international law into disrepute? Would not the Churches be a great deal more respected in this country if they realised the clear moral and legal implications of what has happened?

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, I agree with what my noble and learned friend said. I cannot answer for the Churches. As I said in an earlier answer, I do not believe it is a view universally held by the Church. However, Kuwait must be freed of the Iraqi presence.

Lord Jenkins of Putney

My Lords, while we are all agreed that the Iraqis must be forced to withdraw from Kuwait, the Question sought to point out the difficulties of bringing that about by military attack. It was intended to suggest to the Government that they should persist with sanctions and other means rather than begin a military attack, the consequences of which might be much worse than is now appreciated.

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, obviously sanctions must be allowed time to work. Nobody has ever said otherwise. However, your Lordships will have an opportunity to debate this matter in full tomorrow afternoon. I answered the point raised by the noble Lord in his Question. Further debate would be better in the context of a full debate tomorrow.

Lord Annan

My Lords, are not the views expressed by the noble Lord, Lord Jenkins, and the right reverend Prelate very like those heard at the time before. Munich?

Lord Brabazon of Tara

My Lords, although Munich was before my time, from all that I have read there seems to be a distinct similarity.

Lord Bonham-Carter

My Lords, perhaps I may say to the Minister, in the light of the intervention by the noble Lord, Lord Annan, that the statement by the noble and learned Lord, Lord Hailsham, as a sinner who repented from his posture at the time of Munich is greatly welcomed on this side of the House.