Britain Says Moscow Gives False Picture on Washington Decisions.

The Foreign Office here declared today that the statement issued by the Soviet Government yesterday in Moscow in connection with the recent Eisenhower-Eden talks in Washington on the Arab-Israel situation “gives an entirely false-picture of the Washington decisions.”

The Foreign Office pointed out that the Washington communique issued at the conclusion of the Eisenhower-Eden conference “dealt with action that might have to be taken under the Tripartite Declaration.” The Foreign Office emphasized that the “Declaration was designed to assist in the maintenance of peace and security in the area by making clear that we should oppose the use of force to alter frontiers or armistice lines resulting from the cease-fire of 1949. We said we would take action both inside and outside the United Nations.

“In the light of increased tensions caused primarily by Soviet action, the three powers decided in Washington that it was their duty to make plain that the Declaration means what it says,” the Foreign Office stated. “There has been no question of sending forces into Middle East countries without their consent. On the contrary, the purpose of the Washington statement and the action taken on it, has been to show the countries concerned that if they become victim to attack there will be friends within reach and ready to act in the in support.”

Prime Minister Sir Anthony Eden, replying to a number of queries by Labor MP’s on the Soviet Statement yesterday, told Commons today that the Tripartite Declaration is fully in harmony with the terms of the United Nations Charter. In fact, Sir Anthony continued, “I have never hitherto heard anyone cast doubt on that fact at all.” Asked by Labor Party leader Hugh Gaitskell whether the British Government would make an official reply to the Soviet statement, Sir Anthony replied: “I would certainly consider that. But I have not yet had an opportunity of consulting the Foreign Secretary in detail on the matter.”

Emanuel Shinwell, member of the former Labor Cabinet, criticized the Prime Minister’s statement yesterday on the Middle East situation as less clear than it might have been and asked whether it was the intention of the three Western powers to prepare action only in the event of hostilities–after the act-or whether they were also considering positive action to prevent trouble. In reply, Sir Anthony refused to go beyond stating that in reference to the Tripartite Declaration you know well what our position is, remains, has been, will be–that we will carry out the terms of the 1950 Declaration.” He also indicated that the conclusions reached at the current tripartite discussions in Washington would not be made public.