§ 15. Mr. Jacksonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to what extent Her Majesty's Government's policy of recognition of the royalist régime in the Yemen has been affected by the talks regarding the formation of a new interim régime there.
§ Mr. George ThomsonHer Majesty's Government hope that a régime representing both sides in the Yemen will emerge from the present talks, but I understand that the Haradh Conference has not yet reached agreement. According to our established practice, the recognition of the Royalist Government is bound to continue until there is an alternative régime which fulfils our criteria for recognition.
§ Mr. JacksonWhile thanking the Minister of State for that Answer, may I ask him to indicate whether, should such a coalition Government emerge as a result of these talks, it is possible that relations between Sana and Aden would be improved, because of the domestic preoccupations of the new coalition government?
§ Mr. ThomsonI have very much in mind the point made by my hon. Friend. I hope that the first sentence of my Answer gave an indication of our positive attitude towards the attempts for a Yemeni settlement, now being made.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonWhile we must all hope for the success of the Haradh conference, may I ask the hon. Gentleman if all that has happened in the Yemen does not show how right a Conservative Administration was to continue to recognise the Imam's Government and how right Her Majesty's present Government are to continue this policy?
§ Mr. ThomsonI think that we can leave who was right and wrong in the past if only we can get some sort of decent settlement for the future.