§ 5. Dr. Segalasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how long a British task force has now been stationed at Aqaba; and what task it is now performing.
§ Mr. MayhewA British force has been at Aqaba since 7th January, 1949. It is there at the request of the Jordan Government and in fulfilment of the obligations of His Majesty's Government under the Anglo-Jordan Treaty of 1948.
§ Dr. SegalIn view of our decision to withdraw from Greece and our heavy commitments elsewhere, would it not be a helpful gesture if the whole question of retaining these forces at Aqaba could now be reconsidered?
§ Mr. MayhewNo, Sir, I do not think it would be helpful at this stage. I think it would be more likely to be unsettling.
§ Mr. Ronald ChamberlainSince the troops went in at the express request of the Transjordan Government, are we aware whether they still require them there as a matter of safety? Have we inquired whether they still wish the troops to be there?
§ Mr. MayhewI have no doubt that the situation is as it has been, that they still wish to have the troops.