§ 39. Mr. Woodallasked the Lord Privy Seal if, during his forthcoming visit to Syria, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs will raise with the Syrian Government the need to end bombardments of the civilian population in Hama, as a contribution to the reduction of tension in the area.
§ Mr. HurdNo. The disturbances in Hama are a matter for the Syrian Government and we do not think that representations would be helpful.
§ 54. Mr. Les Huckfieldasked the Lord Privy Seal whether, during his forthcoming visit to Syria, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs will raise the question of the right of emigration of Syrian Jews according to the principles laid down in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
§ Mr. HurdThe Government are concerned for the rights of minority communities wherever they may be and the Syrian Government are aware of our concern. Her184W Majesty's Government, however, have no locus stand in the matter of Syrian Jews and there is a clear risk that formal representations on this issue could produce the wrong results.