Sir Alec Defends Principle of International Peace-keeping Force in Mideast

British Foreign Secretary Sir Alec Douglas-Home today vigorously defended the principle of an international peace-keeping force in the Middle East to protect a settlement once it has been reached. But, he declared, “It is fundamental that the parties (Israel and the Arab states) must by one method or another agree between themselves on the issues in this dispute.” Addressing the annual general meeting of the United Nations Association at Loughborough University, Sir Alec added: “Only such an agreement can lay the foundations for true peace and stability in the region…Without agreement between the parties on frontiers there is nothing tangible and stable for others to guarantee.” He said the Security Council Resolution 242 was the only basis for a Mideast agreement. But, he added, “given the mutual suspicion and hostility of the last 25 years, there are bound to be difficulties in the early years following a settlement. It is here that the international community has a part to play in helping to create the conditions of confidence which are essential to a peace which will hold.”

Sir Alec said his government believed that a UN peace-keeping force, “rightly constituted, could provide that essential sense of security for both sides.” He said the British government was prepared to consider participating in a UN peace-keeping operation and that the U.S. and French governments have also indicated their willingness. “It is for the Russians to say what they would do.” the British diplomat added. He said a peace-keeping force would be responsible for protecting the regime of the demilitarized zones that might be established by agreement between the disputing parties. Such a force, he said, “could also provide a reliable deterrent to a potential military action in specific areas which past experience has shown to be especially sensitive.” Sir Alec added, “We should profit by the mistakes of the past.” A future peace-keeping force in the Middle East, “must not be withdrawn except through a positive resolution of the Security Council. That would mean that each of the permanent members would have to agree.” He said he would leave it to the countries of the region to decide themselves what kind of guarantees they would require and support.