§ 50. Mr. Dodds-Parkerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action he is now taking to bring the Egyptian use of gas in the Yemen, as attested by the International Red Cross, before the United Nations.
§ Mr. George ThomsonI have seen the statement by the International Red Cross on its delegates' reports of the use of poison gas in the Yemen. The International Red Cross has asked all the authorities concerned in the Yemen conflict to "take the solemn engagement not to resort in any circumstance whatsoever to the use of asphyxiating gases or any other similar toxic substances". Our efforts at the United Nations are in present circumstances concentrated on contributing to a peaceful settlement of the Arab/Israel conflict, and I do not think that it would serve any useful purpose at this stage if Her Majesty's Government were to seek to bring the Egyptian use of gas in the Yemen before the United Nations.