§ 26. Mr. McAvoyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has had any discussions with the United States Government about convening a middle east conference on the Palestinian question; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe are in close touch with the Americans about ways to advance the peace process. We welcome their agreement to a statement by the President of the Security Council on 20 December that an international conference, at an appropriate time, properly structured, should facilitate efforts to achieve a negotiated settlement and a lasting peace in the Arab-Israeli conflict.
§ 27. Sir David SteelTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the outcome of his last meeting with the Prime Minister of Israel concerning the setting up of a middle east peace conference.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggMy right hon. Friend last met Mr. Shamir in October. Their discussions confirmed continuing differences of approach on Arab-Israel, including over the merits of an international conference. We have long supported this idea. That support continues. But a conference is a technique, not an end in itself. It needs willing participants if it is to get anywhere. We take every opportunity to point out to the Israelis the need for flexibility if the peace process is to be advanced.