HC Deb 30 January 1956 vol 548 cc604-5
40. Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the evidence of attempted bribery by Saudi Arabia of the people in the Buraimi area.

Mr. Nutting

As my right hon. Friend's predecessor informed the hon. Member on 7th November, 1955, when the Ruler of Abu Dhabi and the Sultan of Muscat and Oman reasserted their rights in the Buraimi Oasis on 26th October last, many documents came to light which gave ample proof of the charges of corruption and bribery which had been brought against the Saudi authorities.

Mr. Grimond

Can the Minister say whether this campaign was directed at the local people only, in the Buraimi area, or whether it was part of a widespread plan extending up and down the coast?

Mr. Nutting

It was mainly directed to the subversion of the inhabitants in that area.

41. Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation at Buraimi.

Mr. Nutting

The situation at Buraimi remains completely quiet and normal and there have been no disturbances whatsoever since the Ruler of Abu Dhabi and the Sultan of Muscat and Oman reasserted their rights there on 26th October, 1955.

Mr. Grimond

Is it Her Majesty's Government's intention now to open further negotiaions with the Saudi Arabian Government with a view to getting a general settlement and establishing a better relationship with that Government?

Mr. Nutting

Negotiations or discussions with the Saudi Arabian Government are made somewhat difficult in view of the fact that the Saudi Arabian Ambassador has been removed from London and so far Her Majesty's Ambassador has not been received in Saudi Arabia.