HC Deb 13 October 1969 vol 788 cc1-2W
13. Mr. Moonman

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals Her Majesty's Government have made to the official representative of the United States Government, in the course of their conversations, concerning the involvement of the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in ensuring the observance of the cease-fire between the Arab States and Israel.

Mr. M. Stewart

None. I am sure that those Governments are already fully aware (as we are) of the need for the ceasefire to be maintained between the Arab States and Israel.

41. Mr. Goodhart

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a further statement about the four-Power talks on the Middle East.

49. Mr. Lane

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the present prospect of negotiations for Arab-Israeli peace in the Middle East.

Mr. M. Stewart

I would refer the hon. Members to the reply I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Portsmouth, West (Mr. Judd).

Mr. Bishop

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he is aware of the growing concern regarding the deteriorating situation in the Middle East and especially in Libya; and whether Her Majesty's Government will reconsider their policy of supplying arms and equipment to those countries whose threats constitute a danger to the peace and stability of the Middle East.

Mr. M. Stewart

The Government have on numerous occasions expressed their concern over the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, brought about largely by the failure to reach a peaceful solution to the Arab/Israeli dispute. Our efforts to promote a settlement are well known. I described the Government's attitude over the supply of arms to the Middle East very fully in the House on 17th June, making it quite clear that we would like to see a general limitation on arms supplies to the area. Failing general agreement on this, it is not our intention to see any country in the Middle East at such a disadvantage as to tempt an aggressor. —[Vol. 785, c. 258–314.]