asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement regarding the attitude of His Majesty's Government towards the "Greater Syria" movement.

Mr. McNeil:

My attention has been called to the spreading of reports that His Majesty's Government favour the "Greater Syria" movement, and I am grateful to my hon. Friend for giving me this opportunity to affirm most strongly that these reports are quite unfounded. His Majesty's Government consider that this subject is one which essentially and exclusively concerns the inhabitants of Syria and of the other States in that area. British officials in Middle Eastern countries have definite instructions that the attitude of His Majesty's Government on the subject is, therefore, one of strict neutrality. His Majesty's Government's one desire is the maintenance of stable and tranquil conditions in the Middle East.

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask of he is aware that the terms of his statement should have a very reassuring effect throughout the Middle East?