105. Mr. R. C. Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what requests he has had from the Israeli Government for British assistance in the
244Wwhich the figures are available; and how this compares with 1964 and 1957, respectively.
§ Mr. FernyhoughThe following table gives the information requested:
operations to rescue the Egyptian soldiers stranded in the Sinai Desert; and what action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. William RodgersHer Majesty's Government have received no such requests but we have been in touch with the Israel Government and have told them of the humanitarian interest being shown here in the plight of the stranded soldiers. We have their assurance that they are doing all they can to round up such scattered groups as remain in the Sinai Desert and that they are sending out water trucks and relief columns. I understand that the Israel authorities are coordinating action on this with the International Red Cross and are providing them with aircraft, helicopters and equipment.
We made inquiries of the International Red Cross about the possibility of Royal Air Force assistance for this operation, but our suggestion was not taken up.
§ 108. Mr. Kelleyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if Her Majesty's Government will refrain from supporting any proposal at the United Nations which will consolidate the position of armed superiority which has been established in the Middle East by military action in recent weeks; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. William RodgersAs we have already made clear, we believe that amongst the factors to be taken into account in any settlement are the limitation and control of armaments to the area and the recognition that war should not lead to territorial aggrandisement.
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§ Mr. Whitakerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what emergency relief Her Majesty's Government is granting, through the United Nations or other agencies, to relieve those suffering the effects of the recent fighting in the Middle East.
§ Mr. William RodgersI would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Hornchurch (Mr. Alan Lee Williams) on 19th June.—[Vol. 748, c. 178.]