HC Deb 05 May 1966 vol 727 cc1858-60
43. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Seccretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement about the murders and other incidents lately perpetrated in Aden and on the counter measures taken.

Mrs. White

A five week's lull in terrorist activities in Aden was broken on 24th February when the President of the Aden Trade Union Council was shot and killed in his house in Aden. This assassination was followed by a number of grenade attacks and shooting incidents involving death and personal injury which I regret are still continuing.

These attacks are mainly due to an intensification of United Arab Republic support for terrorism. Since they began, special escort and other protective arrangements have been intoduced for otherwise vulnerable persons who have to enter certain areas. In addition, the activities of the security forces have been stepped up in the Shaikh Othman area where most of the attacks have taken place.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Would it not therefore be best for the Government to review their Defence Review and make it clear that they will not quit Aden until local forces and local means are adequate to counter Egyptian-backed terrorism and Egyptian imperialism?

Mrs. White

The position at present, of course, is that the solution to this problem lies outside Aden, in the hands of those who encourage and support these outrages. We are still in Aden, but, nevertheless, with the present situation of incitement from without, these outrages are continuing.

Mr. Maudling

Can the hon. Lady explain why the Foreign Office apparently now has responsibility for the administration of Aden?

Mrs. White

It would take more than a supplementary answer to explain that, but the simple fact is that it was agreed long ago that this transfer should take place between the Departments. As the situation in Aden is so much affected by external relations at present, it was thought more appropriate for the Foreign Office to take over the responsibility.

44. Mr. Colin Jackson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made in the political development of Aden colony, bearing in mind the target of independence in 1968.

Mrs. White

Aden is one of the 17 Member States of the Federation of South Arabia. Since August, 1965, the Government of the Federation of South Arabia have had full responsibility for all matters other than external affairs, defence and the public service. Federal Ministers are at present endeavouring to secure general agreement between all interested parties in the area on the measures which will best enable South Arabia to achieve independence in a united and orderly manner.

Mr. Jackson

Has there been any kind of contact with the two Aden leaders, Abdullah al Asnag and Mr. Maqawi?

Mrs. White

That is a question for my right hon. Friend and I have no doubt that the Secretary of State will be willing to consider any arrangements if approaches are made from their side.

46. Mr. Alison

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what proposals are contained in the new draft constitution for the Republic of Aden relating to religious freedom, and specifically to the freedom to propagate a religion.

Mrs. White

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the draft constitution annexed to the Report by Sir Ralph Hone and Sir Gawain Bell to the Govern- ment of the Federation of South Arabia, a copy of which was placed in the Library of the House last February. The proposals relating to religious freedom are contained in Article 8 of Part II of the draft constitutional proposals.

Mr. Alison

Does the hon. Lady realise that that part of the Report contains proposals specifically prohibiting the propagation of the Christian religion among the Muslim population, and will she take steps to see that this is withdrawn by the United Kingdom Parliament?

Mrs. White

This Report was not made to Her Majesty's Government but to the Federal Government of South Arabia. They have not yet made a decision as to whether or not they will accept the Report's recommendations. We know that there are doubts about this provision and we will see that these are brought to their notice.

Mr. Maudling

Is it not a rather extraordinary situation that we should have a Foreign Office Minister answering Questions about the administration of a British Colony? May we have a detailed explanation of why this is happening?

Mrs. White

This is not the first time that the Foreign Office has been responsible for administrative matters. There was the Condominium in the Sudan, for example. But I have already said that to go into detail on this point by way of supplementary question and answer would not be satisfactory.

Mr. Heath

Will the hon. Lady arrange for a statement to appear in the OFFICIAL REPORT, in answer to a Written Question, setting out the whole basis of the Government change in this respect, as I do not recollect the House being informed of it before?

Mrs. White

I suppose that that Question would be more properly addressed to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.