Middle East (Balance of Arms)

Oral Answers to Questions — Ministry of Defence – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 16 March 1960.

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Photo of Mr Denis Healey Mr Denis Healey , Leeds East 12:00, 16 March 1960

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent it is Her Majesty's Government's policy to seek the co-operation of the Soviet Government in maintaining a balance of arms among Middle Eastern countries, as laid down in the Tripartite Declaration.

Photo of Commander Robert Allan Commander Robert Allan , Paddington South

In the view of Her Majesty's Government, it is the duty of the great Powers to show restraint in the supply of arms to the countries of the Middle East. This view is well known to the Government of the Soviet Union,

Photo of Mr Denis Healey Mr Denis Healey , Leeds East

Can the Joint Undersecretary tell the House whether the Government are in negotiation with the Soviet Union in order to reach some formal agreement on this matter? Surely, as was pointed out by my hon. and learned Friend in his supplementary question, it is highly undesirable that the countries of the Middle East should waste their money piling up armaments when agreement between the great Powers might make this unnecessary?

Photo of Commander Robert Allan Commander Robert Allan , Paddington South

We are fully aware of the dangers of an arms race in the Middle East or anywhere else. That is why we attach such particular importance to the 10-Power Conference opening in Geneva.

Photo of Mr Denis Healey Mr Denis Healey , Leeds East

Can the Joint Under-secretary say whether the Government are in negotiation with the Soviet Union, the United States and France to obtain agreement on this matter? Declarations of intent are surely irrelevant here.

Photo of Commander Robert Allan Commander Robert Allan , Paddington South

There are no negotiations on this matter at the moment.