§ Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the British Ambassador took up with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, respectively, of Libya, the new requirement regarding passports having to be in Arabic; in what manner; and with what result.
§ Lord BalnielHer Majesty's ambassador at Tripoli had an interview with 21W the Libyan Prime Minister at which he discussed Libya's passport and visa requirements on 21st February. Since then our ambassador has discussed this subject with the Foreign Minister of Libya and with his officials, on a number of different occasions, most recently with the Acting Foreign Minister on 24th May. From these conversations it is clear that the Libyans continue to maintain their Arabic language requirement.
§ Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British businessmen and residents in Libya have experienced difficulty when going or returning to Libya due to the requirement that Arabic should appear as a language in their passports; what was the nature of the difficulties; and when they occurred.
§ Lord BalnielNo precise figures are available but many British businessmen and residents have experienced delay in being granted a visa or delay in being admitted into Libya even when they have had valid entry visas. There was a short period at the end of April and early in May when no British people were permitted to enter Libya at all. The position with regard to the families of British subjects working in Libya is obscure.
§ Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Libyan Government's circular note of 5th April 1973 alleged that members of the British diplomatic mission had distributed alcohol to Libyan and other citizens.
§ Lord BalnielIt did not.
§ Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which diplomatists from what countries, other than the United Kingdom, were refused readmission to Libya, and on what dates.
§ Lord BalnielWe know of American, Bulgarian, German, Italian, Polish, Swiss and Venezuelan diplomats being refused readmission to Libya. In addition, a number of ambassadors accredited to Libya, but normally resident in neighbouring countries, have been refused entry visas. These incidents have occurred within the last two months but we have no record of the precise dates.