HC Deb 16 December 1957 vol 580 cc9-10W
62. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the renewed tension existing on the borders of Israel and Jordan, and the possibility of relaxing the tension by a solution of the refugee problem, he will take steps, either through the United Nations or by a direct approach, to call a conference of Middle East Governments in order to reach an arrangement satisfactory to all the countries concerned.

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the Answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Yeovil (Mr. Peyton) on 27th November.

As regards the possibility of a direct approach to Middle East Governments, in view of the known attitudes of all the Governments concerned, I do not think this would at present help towards the successful solution of this problem.