HC Deb 02 February 1970 vol 795 cc13-5W
Sir T. Beamish

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions Israel has been condemned by the Security Council for attacks on the Lebanon; and if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the terms of the relevant resolutions, the results of the voting and how Her Majesty's Government's representative voted.

Mr. Foley

Two. Both resolutions were adopted unanimously.

The following are the texts of the resolutions:

Resolution 262 (1968)

Adopted by the Security Council at its 1462nd meeting on 31st December 1968

The Security Council,

Having considered the agenda contained in document S/Agenda/1462,

Having noted the contents of the letter of the Permanent Representative of Lebanon (document S/8945),

Having noted the supplementary information provided by the Chief of Staff of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization contained in documents S/7930/Add.107 and 108,

Having heard the statements of the representative of Lebanon and of the representative of Israel concerning the grave attack committed against the civil International Airport of Beirut,

Observing that the military action by the armed forces of Israel against the civil International Airport of Beirut was premeditated and of a large scale and carefully planned nature,

Gravely concerned about the deteriorating situation resulting from this violation of the Security Council resolutions,

And deeply concerned about the need to assure free uninterrupted international civil air traffic.

  1. 1. Condemns Israel for its premeditated military action in violation of its obligations under the charter and the cease-fire resolutions;
  2. 2. Considers that such premeditated acts of violence endanger the maintenance of the peace;
  3. 3. Issues a solemn warning to Israel that if such acts were to be repeated, the Council would have to consider further steps to give effect to its decisions;
  4. 4. Considers that Lebanon is entitled to appropriate redress for the destruction it suffered, responsibility for which has been acknowledged by Israel.

Resolution 270 (1969)

Adopted by the Security Council at its 1504th meeting on the 26th of August 1969

The Security Council,

Having considered the agenda contained in document S/Agenda /1498/Rev.1,

Having noted the contents of the letter of the Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of Lebanon (document S/9383),

Having heard the statements of the representatives of Lebanon and Israel,

Grieved at the tragic loss of civilian life and property,

Gravely concerned about the deteriorating situation resulting from the violation of Security Council resolutions,

Recalling the Armistice Agreement between Israel and Lebanon of 23 March 1949, and the cease-fire established pursuant to resolutions 233 of 1967 and 234 of 1967,

Mindful of its responsibility under the relevant provisions of the Charter of the United Nations,

  1. 1. Condemns the premeditated air attack by Israel on villages in southern Lebanon in violation of its obligations under the Charter and Security Council resolutions;
  2. 2. Deplores all violent incidents in violation of the cease-fire;
  3. 3. Deplores the extention of the area of fighting;
  4. 4. Declares that such actions of military reprisal and other grave violations of the ceasefire cannot be tolerated and that the Security Council would have to consider further and more effective steps as envisaged in the Charter to ensure against repetition of such acts.

Sir T. Beamish

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he is aware of the territorial threat to the Lebanon and to world peace arising from Israeli attacks mainly against civilian targets; and if he will seek international agreement with the United States of America and France that arms to Israel for her legitimate defence will only be provided on condition that they are not used for aggressive purposes against the Lebanon, in order to comply with the November, 1967, Security Council Resolution on peace in the Middle East.

Mr. Foley

We are naturally concerned at all breaches of the cease fire in the Middle East and all acts of violence, from whatever quarter. As regards the conditions under which we supply arms both to Israel and the Arab countries, I have nothing to add to what my right hon. Friend told the House on 30th October.

As I told the House on 17th June we would favour a general arms limitation to the area as part of a general political settlement.—[Vol. 790, c. 361–8; Vol. 785, c. 310.]

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