British Policy on the Palestinian Question in the Middle East Peace Negotiations: From Conservative to Labour (1970-1979)

Abstract

From 1970 to 1979, the Middle East peace negotiations were led and dominated by the United States. Thus, less scholarly attention has therefore been given to the British policy on the Middle East peace settlement through this period, particularly regarding the issue of the Palestinian question. The British government role and participation in the Arab Israeli settlement seemed inactive and marginal. However, a solution of the Palestinian question was consistently viewed by the British as the most important issue in a comprehensive plan that could lead to a just and durable peace in the Middle East. Although Britain did not involves directly with the US’s peace negotiation, London has repeatedly declared her policy in the public, either unilaterally or jointly with her European Allies. By analysing archival records recently declassified in London, this paper examines the British policy and diplomacy towards the Palestinian question during the peace negotiations period from 1970 to 1979. In spite of a political change of the British government between Conservative and Labour, the finding of this study proven that Britain under both parties was remains consistent with her policy towards the Palestinian question.