HC Deb 02 November 1970 vol 805 cc265-6W
Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on the British Government's policy towards the inclusion of leaders of the Palestinian Arabs in international negotiations for a settlement in the Middle East.

Mr. Godber

Security Council Resolution 242 of November 1967 provides the only generally agreed basis for a peaceful settlement in the Middle East. The Palestinian resistance organisations reject this Resolution and seek a multinational state in Palestine which would involve the elimination of Israel as a State in its present character. We do not therefore think that discussion of the present programme of the Palestinian organisations is compatible with the search for a settlement in accordance with Security Council Resolution 242. But we recognise that any lasting settlement would have to attract general acceptance from all the peoples of the area, including the Palestinians.

Mr. Coleman

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether Her Majesty's Government accepts Resolution No. 465 on the situation in the Middle East which has been adopted by the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe; and what action the Government have taken or propose to take on the resolution.

Mr. Anthony Royle

Our aim in the Middle East is the achievement of a fair and lasting settlement based on Security Council Resolution 242. We are in agreement with the proposals in Resolution No. 465 of the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe to the extent that these are consistent with the terms and balance of the Security Council Resolution.

We are determined to uphold the security of the Mediterranean area.

Mr. Heffer

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action Her Majesty's Government are taking to bring about peace in the Middle East.

Mr. Godber

We are participating in the Four Power talks in New York and in the General Assembly debate on this subject currently taking place. We are also in frequent touch with all Governments concerned about ways in which progress towards peace might be made.