§ 11. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the frontier between the Aden Protectorates and the Yemen remain quiet; whether the relationships of Aden with the Yemen have improved; what proposals have been made in the Protectorates and Aden Colony for contingent closer associations with the Yemen; and what further progress has been made or is contemplated in constitutional advance, particularly towards the closer association of the Protectorates with the Colony.
§ Mr. H. FraserThe frontier is generally quiet and relations with the Yemen are satisfactory. My right hon. Friend has received no proposals for closer association between Aden territories 1510 and the Yemen. The Governor is continuing his discussions with Ministers from the Federation and the Colony about matters of common concern.
§ Mr. SorensenArising out of that reply, and in reference to the latter part of my Question, may I ask the Minister whether in any contemplated advance constitutionally in the Aden Protectorate and the Colony, he will bear in mind the fact that the nature of the Protectorate is very different from that of the Colony, and that considerable apprehension exists among some people in the Colony lest in any kind of union they are overborne by the autocrats of the Protectorate? May I ask him, further, whether any contemplated advance in democracy is in his mind in regard to the Protectorate?
§ Mr. FraserThat is a question of which I should like further notification. We must proceed gradually in these plans. There are, as the hon. Gentleman knows, talks going on between the Governor and representatives from the Federation and the Colony at this moment.