§ Sir R. Russellasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether, in view of the recent increase in Russian manpower and equipment in Egypt and Libya, he will take a further international initiative to bring about a reduction in arms supplied to the Middle East.
§ Mr. Luard:I have been asked to reply.
We have many times made clear our readiness to agree to an international limitation on the supply of arms to the area. This view was repeated by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in a message to Mr. Kosygin on 6th February and was later raised by my right hon. and noble Friend, Lord Caradon, in the Four Power Talks at New York. We await a reply to that proposal from the Soviet Government.