§ 48. Sir R. Boothbyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that 40 Soviet jet bombers and over 30 jet fighters have now been supplied to Egypt, and that Egyptian officers and non-commissioned officers are at present undergoing instructional courses in Poland; and whether Her Majesty's Government will now take steps to restore the balance of military power between Egypt and Israel.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydHer Majesty's Government are aware that Egypt has received a quantity of Soviet fighters and bombers, and that a number of Egyptians are being trained in Poland. With regard to the second half of the Question, Her Majesty's Government will continue to supply, in accordance with the Tripartite Declaration, limited quantities of arms to Middle East States for self-defence, internal security, and the defence of the area as a whole. Deliveries are made in the light of these criteria, and of Her Majesty's Government's desire to avoid an arms race.