§ Q2. Mr. Healeyasked the Prime Minister what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government in Southern Arabia.
§ The Prime MinisterI assume the hon. Member refers to the Federation of South Arabia.
The policy of Her Majesty's Government is to lead the people of the Federation as soon as practicable to sovereign independence.
§ Mr. HealeyIn view of the fact that Britain's retention of the British military base in Aden is bound to depend on the good will of those who live and work there, would the Prime Minister consider revising the constitution of the South Arabian Federation so as to make it acceptable to the population of Aden Colony?
§ The Prime MinisterIf any alteration is needed in the constitution, it is really for the Federal Ministers and the Ministers in the State of Aden Government to advise Her Majesty's Government to that effect. If they wish to do so, no doubt they will.
§ Mr. HealeyBut is it not the responsibility of the British Government, who are still in a controlling position, to ensure that the constitution does not continue against the will of the inhabitants of Aden Colony who are our direct responsibility as the protecting Power?
§ The Prime MinisterI think that the hon. Member knows that the question of what exact form the constitution should take is a very difficult one and that we have to treat these matters with great care. But, as I said, if the Government of the State of Aden or the Federal Ministers, or both—they have to act together—think that some changes are necessary, we are always willing to meet them and to discuss them.
§ Mr. P. WilliamsWould not my right hon. Friend agree that there are wider considerations than internal politics and that one of the things for which Britain has responsibility is to ensure that the right Royalist régime is restored to office in the Yemen and that we give assistance and succour to our friends in Saudi Arabia as well?
§ The Prime MinisterThat raises a wider question. The Question on the Order Paper was about the internal situation in Aden.