HC Deb 18 March 1957 vol 567 cc9-10W
87. Mr. Philips Price

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps have been taken to make clear to the Egyptian and other Arab Governments that Her Majesty's Government will not agree to a situation in the Sinai Peninsula which would permit the continuation of raids into Israeli territory.

90. Mr. Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a further statement on the present position in the Gaza Strip; and what representations Her Majesty's Government have now made to prevent the recurrence of attacks from the Gaza strip on Israel.

Mr. Ian Harvey

I have at present nothing to add to the full statement on the position in the Gaza Strip which my right hon. and learned Friend made on 14th March. The Secretary General is due to go out to the area very soon and we should await the results of his visit.

We have made it quite clear in the General Assembly that it must be the Assembly's task to see that hostilities do not break out again and that new attacks across the armistice lines, whether by Israel forces or Egyptian forces or fedayeen elements, cannot recur. Our view has been that the United Nations Force should be so deployed as to prevent a recurrence of such attacks. The Force is now in position on the Israel-Egypt armistice line in accordance with Resolution II of 2nd February, and one of its chief tasks is to prevent raids and to assist in maintaining peaceful conditions. As members of the United Nations we shall of course do all we can to encourage the Force to carry out these functions.