§ Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Lord Privy Seal whether it is now the policy of Her Majesty's Government to maintain contacts and have discussions with the Palestine Liberation Organisation before that body renounces terrorism and recognises the State of Israel in accordance with United Nations resolution 242.
§ Mr. HurdOfficials have maintained contacts with the Palestine Liberation Organisation for some time. We believe that such contacts are in our interests and in the interests of peace. Their purpose is to explore the Palestine Liberation Organisation's views on the Middle East conflict to explain our own and to urge the Palestine Liberation Organisation to renounce terrorism and to accept a comprehensive settlement negotiated with Israel. Dealings with the Palestine Liberation Organisation would, of course, be easier if it did.