§ 43. Mr. Hastingsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the Government's intentions with regard to the British base and military installations in Libya.
§ 50. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the official Libyan demand for the withdrawal of British Army and Royal Air Force defence units from Libya; and what arrangements he now proposes to make.
§ Mr. William RodgersHer Majesty's Ambassador to Libya has discussed the question with members of the new Libyan Government and made it clear that it is Her Majesty's Government's declared policy not to attempt to maintain defence facilities in an independent country against its wishes. A special AngloLibyan committee is expected to meet shortly to discuss this question.
§ Mr. HastingsDoes this mean that the Government are really getting ready to get out? Would not the Minister agree that to withdraw at this stage would present a real threat to the stability of the whole area, quite apart from the British interest, which is also not to be gainsaid and disregarded?
§ Mr. RodgersAs I said in my original Answer, our declared policy is not to maintain defence facilities in an independent country against its wishes. I do not think there is any evidence that we should depart from this policy.
§ Sir G. NabarroWill the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that both Malta and Gibraltar would welcome very much indeed the transference of the present defence units of the Royal Air Force and Army from Libya to former British Army and Air Force bases in Malta and Gibraltar? Why could not that be done, particularly to help Malta?
§ Mr. RodgersAt the moment we are concerned with detailed negotiations which must take place with the Libyan Government before this move is completed.