HC Deb 08 November 1967 vol 753 cc997-8
2. Mr. James Davidson

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what strategic rôle is fulfilled by British forces stationed in the Persian Gulf.

Mr. Healey

British forces are contributing to the maintenance of stability and peaceful development in the Persian Gulf.

Mr. Davidson

What conceivable situation can the Secretary of State see in which British forces might intervene in Middle East affairs in view of our withdrawal from Aden, our reduced commitments in the area, and the outcome of the recent war between Israel and Egypt?

Mr. Healey

I am sure that the hon. Member must know that we have formal treaty obligations to certain States in the Persian Gulf, and we intend to carry them out so long as they exist.

Mr. Rose

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the only consequence of the British rôle in this area is that we are the first to have our oil supplies cut off when trouble breaks out?

Mr. Healey

I am aware of no such thing.

Mr. Sandys

Since the Government have destroyed the whole of Britain's influence and prestige in the Arabian Peninsula, how much longer does the Secretary of State think we shall be able to stay in Bahrain?

Mr. Healey

I think that such a question, coming from a member of a Government which was responsible for the Suez attack in 1956 and a man who was Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs responsible for launching the South Arabian situation on the course which it has followed, puts me under no obligation to accept the assumption or to answer it.

Mr. Whitaker

Have we learned the lesson, from the tragedy in Aden, that it is better to withdraw British troops from an indefensible position in support of an undemocratic Government before there is bloodshed?

Mr. Healey

I agree that if our position in the Gulf were indefensible, we should leave it; but that is not the case.

Mr. Sandys

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the very unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I give notice that I shall raise this at the first possible opportunity.