Suez Canal

HC Deb 05 December 1956 vol 561 cc124-5W

76. Mr. Langford-Holt

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether complete freedom of navigation through the Suez Canal has now been accorded to British ships wherever bound and regardless of ports of call; and to what extent there has recently been interference with British ships.

Commander Noble

As my hon. Friend will know, the Canal has, since the beginning of November, been blocked through the sinking by the Egyptian authorities of ships and other obstructions.

83. Mr. C. I. Orr-Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will consult our Western European allies and table a resolution at the United Nations drawing attention to Egypt's action in blocking the Suez Canal, not only in direct disregard of the 1888 Convention, the Security Council resolution of 13th October, but also after, and in defiance of, two cease-fire resolutions of 2nd November, 1956.

Commander Noble

As my hon. Friend will know, the Representative of the United Kingdom to the United Nations protested against Egyptian acts of sabotage in the Canal in a letter dated 11th November, which has been circulated to the General Assembly. The French Representative has similarly protested in a letter dated 21st November, which has also been circulated. In view of this action, I do not consider that a resolution is necessary.

88. Mr. du Cann

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs upon what date the offer was made to the United Nations organisation to place British salvage units under its command in order to expedite the reopening of the Suez Canal; and whether a reply has yet been made to that offer.

Commander Noble

An offer to release to the United Nations vessels under charter to the Admiralty was made on 11th November, and an offer to lend any United Kingdom resources available was made in my right hon. and learned Friend's speech in the General Assembly on 23rd November. No formal reply was called for, but my right hon. and learned Friend is satisfied from his discussions with the Secretary-General that he will press on with the task of clearance with the utmost speed and that every effort will be made to proceed without delay with clearance of obstructions below Port Said, using all available equipment found necessary by the United Nations authorities.