§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Lord Privy Seal if he has now received word from the Governments of the United States of America, Israel and Egypt, respectively, as to whether the United Kingdom's offer to make forces available to the Sinai peace force on the basis of the terms of the offer announced on 23 November is acceptable.
§ Mr. HurdThe United States State Department has issued the following statement in reaction to the announcement of our readiness to participate in the Sinai peacekeeping force
The United States warmly welcomes the decision by the United Kingdom, France, Italy and the Netherlands to participate in the Multinational Force and Observers to be established in connection with the treaty of peace between Egypt and Israel.The United States views that treaty as the first step towards a broader, just, endurable peace in the Middle East and remains convinced that negotiations based on the framework agreed at Camp David can help realise that goal.The participation of four of our European allies in the MFO will inevitably strengthen that organisation and will enhance its ability to carry out its functions as agreed between Egypt and Israel.The Egyptian Government have welcomed the Four's participation as
a positive contribution towards establishing a just and comprehensive peace.We are still awaiting the official reaction of the Israeli Government.