HC Deb 28 June 1974 vol 875 c15W
Mr. Faulds

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs why he decided that Her Majesty's Government should decline the request of Arab countries to participate in the Geneva talks.

Mr. Ennals

No such invitation has been received from the participants in the Geneva talks. The basis for participation in the Geneva Conference was agreed amongst the parties concerned and did not include the United Kingdom. My right hon. Friend made it clear to the House on 19th March—[Vol. 870, c. 871]—that our policy was not to push ourselves forward but to play any rôle that would be constructive in the negotiations if there was a genuine desire among the main protagonists for our participation.