HC Deb 25 April 1956 vol 551 cc1754-5
22. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether following the recent discussions with the Government of Jordan, he will state the policy of Her Majesty's Government with regard to the retention of British air and army units in Jordan and the employment of British officers in the Arab Legion.

Mr. Nutting

The recent discussions with the Government of Jordan were concerned only with the question of the employment of British officers in the Arab Legion, and on this subject I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the communiqué issued on 17th of April. There has been no change in the situation with regard to British air and army units in Jordan.

Mr. Henderson

Have adequate arrangements been made with the Government of Jordan to safeguard the security of those British Air Force and Army units in the event of any deterioration in the situation in the Middle East?

Mr. Nutting

Yes. I think that the right hon. and learned Gentleman can rest assured on that point. The Air Force units, as he knows, are there by Treaty right, and the Army units are there by arrangement with the Jordanian Government.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Was any effort made by the British Government to ensure that British officers serving in the Arab Legion would not be compelled to wear Arab uniform? Did that matter arise in the negotiations?

Mr. Nutting

They still continue, I understand, as in the past, to wear the uniform of the Arab Legion.