HC Deb 26 March 1958 vol 585 cc430-1
49. Mr. Healey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will invite the United Nations to station observers in the Aden Protectorate along the frontier with Yemen.

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I have nothing to add to the reply which my right hon. and learned Friend gave to the hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Brockway) on 19th February.

Mr. Healey

Does not the Minister of State agree that it would be an unmitigated disaster if British troops were involved in another war with the Arabs and that experience in the Gaza strip has shown that the presence of United Nations observers can do much to reduce the dangers of conflict and to fix responsibility if a conflict should break out?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I agree with what the hon. Gentleman says. In fact, my right hon. and learned Friend did say that we were examining these proposals. One of the difficulties is that the troubles in the Aden Protectorate are as much a question of subversion as of overt attacks across the border.

Mr. P. Williams

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that it is the duty of the British Government to see that British territory is defended?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore indicated assent.