§ Q33. Mr. Lathamasked the Prime Minister whether she will make a statement on the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards official contacts with the Palestine Liberation Organisation.
§ The Prime MinisterGovernment officials have for some years had occasional and informal contacts with representatives of the Palestine Liberation Organisation. Ministers, of successive Governments, have, refrained from such contacts while the PLO has continued to have links with terrorism and has failed to endorse the principle of a negotiated settlement in which Israel's right to live in peace within secure and recognised boundaries is accepted.
Mr. Ron Brownasked the Prime Minister if she will consider recognising the Palestine Liberation Organisation as a first step in securing a peaceful settlement of the Palestinian question in the Middle East.
§ The Prime MinisterNo. We extend official recognition only to governments. We do, however, accept that the Palestine Liberation Organisation is an important factor in the area and that at some stage they will have to be associated with negotiations. Contacts with the PLO would be easier if it were to accept Israel's right to exist.