Radfan Tribal Leaders (Communications)

HC Deb 21 July 1964 vol 699 c251

5. Mr. Bottomley

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies if he will place in the Library the text of the communications from the Radfan tribal leaders to the British High Commissioner in Aden in the course of 1963.

Mr. Sandys

No such communications were received.

Mr. Bottomley

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is claimed by the Radfan members that they were prepared to join the Federation provided they were not part of the State of Dahla? In these circumstances, can he publish some communication or other information so that the House can judge whether it was necessary to involve British troops in the fighting at Radfan?

Mr. Sandys

I cannot invent communications, even to please the right hon. Gentleman.