§ 93. Mr. Robson Brownasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make plain to the Secretary-General of the United Nations that when Anglo-French forces withdraw from Suez it must then be the responsibility of the United Nations to clear the Canal without delay and thereafter guarantee the free passage of all ships of all nations through the Canal without let or hindrance by Egypt and be prepared to enforce this by all means at their command.
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreMy right hon. and learned Friend has repeatedly emphasised both to the Secretary-General of the United Nations and to the General Assembly the responsibilities of the United Nations with regard to the clearance of the Canal and its subsequent use.
We do not consider that the responsibilities of the United Nations to clear the Canal will only begin when Anglo-French forces withdraw. On the contrary, the General Assembly Resolution of 2nd November specifically urged "that upon the cease-fire being effected steps be taken to reopen the Suez Canal and restore freedom of navigation."
I am glad to say that on 24th November the General Assembly of the United Nations, in an unopposed vote, authorised the Secretary-General to proceed with the exploration of practical arrangements and the negotiation of agreements so that the clearing operations may be undertaken speedily and effectively