47. Mr. Mikardoasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect of the present armed struggle for leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organisation on the safety of the international force, which has a British contingent and on prospects for peace and stability in the Middle East.
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Sir Geoffrey HoweWe keep under constant review all factors which might affect the safety of the British contingent with the multinational force in Beirut. A ceasefire between the rival PLO factions came into effect in early July and appears to be holding.
§ 62. Mr. Ron Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has as to how many people have been killed and injured in recent clashes between the various warring factions of the Palestine Liberation Organisation.
Sir Geoffrey HoweWe have no first-hand information, but the accounts that we have seen suggest that about 19 men may have been killed since the dispute began.