HC Deb 16 May 1960 vol 623 cc906-8
22. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he now anticipates the appointment of an ambassador to the Yemen; what further official consultations have recently taken place between the Governments of the United Kingdom and the Yemen respecting points of dispute between the United Kingdom and the Yemen; and to what extent diplomatic representations to the Yemen have been affected by the association of the Yemen with the United Arab Republic.

Mr. Profumo

On the first point, this is a matter for mutual agreement with the Government of Yemen. Discussions with them are continuing about our future representation in Taiz after the present charge d'affaires completes his tour of duty and I should prefer not to anticipate their result.

On the second point, Her Majesty's charge d'affaires in Taiz is in regular touch with the Yemeni authorities on matters of mutual interest, and, as I said on 13th April, there has been co-operation to minimise the effect of inter-tribal incidents in the frontier area.

The answer to the third point is, "None, Sir."

Mr. Sorensen

In view of the fact that apparently there has been some slight improvement at least in the relationship between the Yemen and this country, does that mean that before long the charge d'affaires will be replaced by an ambassador? Does it mean that it would be a good thing if an ambassador were appointed?

Mr. Profumo

I am rather doubtful whether he will be replaced by an ambassador, because there are no ambassadors at Taiz from any foreign country. I hope that the question of our representation will be settled shortly, and I understand the interests of the hon. Gentleman. They are the same as Her Majesty's Government's—to continue to improve our relations with the Yemen.

Mr. Snow

Has our charge d'affaires been able to convince the Yemen Government that there are strong grounds for giving facilities for archaeology in that country which are exercising the minds of many people concerned with that art?

Mr. Profumo

I do not think he has got round to that yet.