The White Paper on Britain’s supply of arms to Middle East states which the Cabinet decided yesterday to issue, will probably be published just before the Pouse of Commons reconvenes January 24. A debate on the White Paper, however is not expected before late in February. Prime Minister Sir Anthony Eden and Foreign Secretary Selwyn Lloyd sail for the United States for the Eisenhower-Eden meeting on January 25, and the Labor Party leaders refuse to agree to a Parliamentary debate on the White Paper in the absence of the Prime Minister and Mr. Lloyd.
Meanwhile, it was learned that yesterday’s Cabinet meeting discussed not only the issuance of a White Paper, but also whether to attempt to strengthen the Tripartite Declaration of 1950. The government has steadfastly held to the position that the Declaration as it stands is as complete a guarantee as possible against aggression in the Middle East. In the face of new demands by Hugh Gaitskell, head of the Labor Party and in view of the high degree of tension in the Middle East, however, the Cabinet discussed the desirability of a new form of guarantee. This is one of the points expected to be raised by Sir Anthony with Mr. Eisenhower at their meetings.
The British Government’s statement about the export of surplus war material was called unsatisfactory by Mr. Gaitskell and a number of British newspapers. Mr. Gaitskell renewed his insistence upon a Parliamentary debate on arms shipments before Mr. Eden departs for the U.S.
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