HC Deb 11 February 1957 vol 564 cc906-8
15. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the dispute as to the facts of the situation on the Aden-Yemen frontiers, he will instruct his representative at the United Nations to propose that United Nations' observers be sent to establish the facts.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave on this subject to the right hon. Member for Derby, South (Mr. P. Noel-Baker) and the hon. Member for Morpeth (Mr. Owen) on 4th February.

Mr. Henderson

On that occasion, did the right hon. and learned Gentleman not refer to the proposed bilateral discusions between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of the Yemen? Is not the procrastination of the Government of the Yemen a valid reason for seeking to establish the facts by means of a neutral United Nations commission?

Mr. Lloyd

We have to accept the fact that the processes of transmission of information and decisions are not as rapid for the Government of the Yemen as they may be with other Governments. It takes a certain amount of time to arrange these discussions, and I still believe it really would be better to try to carry out the Treaty and get a frontier demarcation team to work rather than bring in the United Nations at this time.

Mr. A. Henderson

Can the Foreign Secretary indicate what progress has been made? Has any offer been made and is the right hon. and learned Gentleman now awaiting a reply from the Government of the Yemen?

Mr. Lloyd

Yes. We certainly indicated our willingness to have these discussions as rapidly as possible. There was a statement by the Yemeni Chargé d'Affaires that his Government also wanted them. That gives some ground for hope that the talks will take place. The trouble, however, is that what the Yemen Chargé d'Affaires has said has not yet been confirmed by the central Government.

Captain Duncan

Does my right hon. and learned Friend accept the statement in the Question that there is a dispute as to the facts? Surely, the facts of this matter are clear.

Mr. Lloyd

The trouble is that the frontier has never been demarcated. That is what we want done.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

In view of that fact, does the Foreign Secretary think that we are likely to win the loyalty and willing co-operation of those whom we claim within the frontier by destroying villages by air bombardment, as the Government propose to do? Will not the Foreign Secretary suspend that order until the discussions with the Yemen have taken place?

Mr. Lloyd

Quite obviously, the use of air bombardment is such that one would want to restrict it to the absolute minimum, but it has to be recognised that in an area such as this it is the only feasible method of seeking to maintain law and order.