§ 55. Mr. Kaufmanasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what dates officials of his Department took part in discussions with representatives of the Palestine Liberation Organisation concerning the establishment in London of an office of the Palestine Liberation Organisation; who represented his Department; who represented the Palestine Liberation Organisation; what was said by his officials during these discussions; and what their outcome was.
§ Mr. GodberOn 18th January the Director of the Arab League Office in London wrote to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary seeking permission for the Palestine Liberation Organisation to set up an office in London. In response to this and to a further inquiry from 205W the Arab League Office on 23rd February to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, on 27th April an official of my Department explained to the member of the Arab League Office in London responsible for the affairs of the Palestine Liberation Organisation that under British law the question of permission to set up an office in London did not arise. The official made it clear that if the Palestine Liberation Organisation did set up an office neither the office nor its occupants would be entitled to any kind of official or quasi-official status, immunity or recognition. Any illegal activities would lead to immediate action against any individual concerned.