TNAG-1324-FCO40-1736-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Parliamentary-debates-1984 — Page 122

The

31. We remain in close touch with both Iran and Iraq. Our diplomatic

representatives in Baghdad and Tehran have the safety and protection of

British subjects in the area very much in mind. We are also maintaining

close touch with our friends and allies in the Gulf and elsewhere.

House will not expect me to reveal in public the contingency measures which

we have taken. But we are very much aware of the dangers of escalation and

will be ready to work with others to protect our interests and those of our

friends.

32. Unfortunately, recent news gives fresh grounds for concern. There have

been reports of air attacks on civilian targets in both the countries.

There have been a series of Iranian offensives in the Central and Southern

sectors of the front, culminating in the current fighting around the

Majnoon Islands. And there is evidence that chemical weapons have been

used by Iraq. Any violations of the 1925 Geneva Protocol on this subject

must be roundly condemned. I, once again, take this opportunity to refute

absolutely the allegation that the UK has supplied chemical weapons to

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