HC Deb 06 March 1967 vol 742 cc1048-50
50. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will ask the United Nations to provide a token force in Aden after British forces leave in 1968.

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. William Rodgers)

The composition of a United Nations Special Mission to South Arabia has now been announced. It would be for the Mission in the first place to consider a suggestion such as that put forward by my hon. Friend. Its implementation would, of course, require the consent of the independent South Arabian Government, and the authority of the United Nations.

Mr. Allaun

While warmly welcoming my hon. Friend's reply, may I ask him whether he could arrange that the United Nations mission, during its present welcome visit to Aden, should be asked to consider this proposal and also to find out the reaction of those likely to form the future independent Government of Aden?

Mr. Rodgers

I think that the United Nations mission is quite competent to reach its own conclusions and to take an initiative and to conduct such inquiries as it may feel to be necessary.

Mr. Powell

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that at present the United Nations mission has nothing to do with the future defence of the independent Federation? Is he also aware that at present there are no firm signs of the Federation being able to defend itself after independence?

Mr. Rodgers

The important thing now is for the mission to get there and for us to await its recommendations.

Mr. Whitaker

Would the Government also support in a similar fashion the United Nations being responsible for the defence of the Persian Gulf?

Mr. Rodgers

I do not think that that arises from the Question.

Mr. Doughty

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that when the Arabian Agreement was arrived at it included a defence agreement together with an independence agreement? Those two things have to be negotiated at the same time. The defence agreement is the support by this country of the independence of the Federation of Arabia.

Mr. Rodgers

I am aware of this issue and of the points which were discussed more fully in the House last week. On this particular point, it is for the mission to get there and for us to hear its recommendations.