§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether his Department received any warning from Iraq that the British registered vessel, the Burmah Endeavour, was liable to attack in the Gulf; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Ian StewartNo specific warning of the attack on the Burmah Endeavour off Larak island on 14 May was ever given. However, ships at Larak island have frequently been attacked and Iraq has consistently claimed the right, in defiance of international law, to attack any shipping helping to sustain Iranian economic activity. The Iraqi ambassador in London reiterated this claim at a meeting with Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials on 10 May, mentioning four British ships, including the Burmah Endeavour, which were being used as storage vessels for Iranian oil. His views were firmly rebutted at that meeting. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office passed details of the discussion to my Department, which informed the General Council of British Shipping, the established channel of communication in such cases, before the attack took place.