Former MP for Paddington South
Mr. Somerset de Chair (Paddington, South)rose —
On a point of order. The right hon. Gentleman has just said that he did not wish this debate to cover the affairs of the Middle East, but that, for the convenience of the Committee, he would make a statement about Persia which he could equally have made as a statement to the House before the debate began, when he would then have been subjected to ordinary question and answer across the Floor...
Further to that point. It is precisely because we desire to cooperate by not dragging into the debate the general question of Persia and the Middle East that we wish to dispose of this point at once.
Actually, they signed it this morning.
Could the Foreign Secretary clarify one point that was not elucidated in the exchanges yesterday? Could he say whether the Royal Navy has been sent into Abadan to protect the British civilians carrying on their lawful occasions in the oil installations pending a decision of The Hague Court, or whether they have merely been sent in order to provide a shield for them in being. evacuated?
In further reference to the Foreign Secretary's pledge to protect the lives of the British citizens involved, can he say whether or not the steps so far taken are adequate, in view of the breakdown in the negotiations and the possibility of increased tension in Khuzistan? Is it not possible that there may be some disorders and danger to life, and would it not be better to send British troops...
Is it not becoming increasingly clear that the conditions are not present in Persia which will afford a solution of this problem, a stable and durable settlement? As the right hon. Gentleman said, in answer to a Question on 29th May: All these matters have been the subject of consideration, and appropriate steps have been taken."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 29th May, 1951; Vol. 488, c. 43.] —in...
Further to the reply, did the right hon. Gentleman say, in the memorandum on 4th June, that: His Majesty's Government have every right to intervene in defence of this great British interest in Persia."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 4th June, 1951; Vol. 488. c. 693.] and leave the House on that occasion with the impression that His Majesty's Government would not give up these oilfields and the...
