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dated August 9, 1956: India to attend Suez talks

India's decision to participate in the international conference on the Suez Canal was announced by Prime Minister Nehru in the Lok Sabha on August 8. He said: "The Government of India have satisfied themselves that their participation in the London conference will not injure the interests or the sovereign rights and dignity of Egypt. The Government are well aware that this conference can reach no final decisions; for that requires the agreement of Egypt." But he asked the House to share with him the hope that participation of India will assist in the endeavours for a peaceful settlement. Apart from the fact that India is also a principal user of the Suez waterway, the main consideration which influenced the Government in their decision was the hope that her participation would assist in the endeavour for a settlement of the problem. The tone of the 3,000-word statement and India's attitude to the problem would be appreciated if the basis of India's approach is correctly understood. Mr. Nehru explained that India found herself in a peculiarly delicate situation. "She is in friendly relations with and associated with Egypt in the acceptance of the Bandung Declaration and the five principles. At the same time, India has good and close relations with the principal Western countries involved. Both these relations are held in great esteem by us, as all the world knows. The consideration and the criteria on which the Government had to base their decision - not an easy one - is how best they could serve the cause of averting a conflict and obtaining a peaceful settlement before it is too late. India is passionately interested in averting a conflict. The settlement of this problem on the basis of the sovereignty and dignity of Egypt, and by agreement amongst all concerned and the abandonment of the postures of threats and violence and of unilateral action by either party, are of the utmost concern to India."

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