British Government Tells Parliament That Israel Has Sufficient Arms for Self-defense

The British Government today informed Parliament that Israel possesses sufficient material for internal security and self-defense, therefore there is no reason for Britain to permit the Jewish state to acquire arms in England, although such arms are being delivered by Britain to the Arab states.

Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs Ernest Davies, who made this statement in the House of Commons, denied that the Arab states are threatening to resume the war against Israel. He reported that limited quantities of British arms have been sold to Egypt, Iran, Turkey, Iraq, Transjordan and Saudi Arabia since the United Nations lifted its arms embargo on the Middle East last August.

A debate developed in Parliament following the statement made by the Undersecretary. Hugh Fraser, a Conservative, asked why a unilateral embargo had been enforced against Israel. The Undersecretary replied: “The position is not quite the same with regard to Israel as to the other countries, since we have treaty obligations toward Egypt, Iraq and Transjordan.”

Barnett Janner, Laborite M.P., drew the attention of Undersecretary Davies to the fact that public statements have been made by the Arab countries to the effect that they propose to start further wars in the Middle East. He asked that the British supply of arms to these countries be discontinued in order that they do not carry out their threats. Mr. Davies replied that he would not accept the premise that threatening statements have been made by the Arab governments.

Replying to questions by other members of Parliament, the Undersecretary reiterated that according to the best information available in Britain, the Jewish state has sufficient arms to maintain internal security in the country and even to defend itself in case of aggression.