§ 3. Mr. G. Campbellasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Her Majesty's Government have now started discussions with the States of the Persian Gulf about the proposed withdrawal of British Forces.
§ 76. Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what discussions he is having with the States of the Persian Gulf about British withdrawals and related matters.
§ The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Goronwy Roberts)We are engaged in discussion with the States concerned about the implications of the decision on withdrawal.
§ Mr. CampbellAre the United Kingdom Government still responsible for the foreign affairs and defence of these States and, if so, for how long is this situation expected to last?
§ Mr. RobertsThe position is that until there is a renegotiation of agreements and treaties, and until we have withdrawn, as we have said we shall do, we shall remain responsible for those two matters.
§ Mr. Eldon GriffithsWill the Minister give an assurance that during the transitional period he will do all in his power to maintain the Trucial Oman Scouts, providing them with adequate finance and support from this country?
§ Mr. RobertsI agree that the T.O.S. are an effective and efficient force for internal security in that area, and we shall do everything possible to see that they continue to be so.