HC Deb 01 April 1968 vol 762 cc17-9
16. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a further statement about the United Kingdom's relations with the Republic of South Yemen.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

In accordance with the undertaking given at Geneva in November, we have informed the Southern Yemen Government that we shall be ready to resume negotiations on matters left outstanding at Geneva in the later half of April. A mutually con- venient date will be arranged nearer the time.

Mr. Wall

In considering the question of the continuation of aid, will Her Majesty's Government bear in mind the fact that British officials who were on contract have been dismissed? Will the hon. Gentleman ensure that they receive compensation? Will he also remember that Federal Ministers and civil servants loyal to Britain are still in prison and that we owe them some responsibility?

Mr. Roberts

The officers to whom the hon. Gentleman refers were, of course, on contract and, in that sense, the Government of South Yemen had the right to determine their period of employment. However, we have made, and are continuing to make, representations to the South Yemen Government on the matter of compensation for these men. On the question of former leaders who have been in prison, the House will share a feeling of relief that none has been sentenced to death, except those in absentia, and that those whom the Government were able to lay their hands on have simply been sentenced to periods of imprisonment.

Hon. Members

Oh.

Mr. Anderson

Has any progress yet been made in arranging for the repatriation of the bodies of British Servicemen who were killed during the emergency? If not, will the Minister give this matter high priority?

Mr. Roberts

I will certainly look into that as a matter of urgency.

Mr. Wood

In view of the number of individuals still held awaiting trial, may I ask whether the hon. Gentleman is aware that we are not in the least satisfied with what he said? Is he aware that my hon. Friends and I have made considerable representations to his right hon. Friend about this matter? What does he intend to do about it?

Mr. Roberts

I am glad of this opportunity to add to what I said. We, of course, abhor what has happened; namely, the sentencing, whether to imprisonment or death, of people guilty of nothing more than co-operating loyally with the existing Government. We have made this view abundantly plain to the South Yemen Government.

Mr. Leadbitter

Is my hon. Friend aware that many of us object to the manner of his reply? Will he ensure that negotiations based on an application for a loan will not be proceeded with until justice is done in this matter and until the question of compensation is cleared up?

Mr. Roberts

I assure my hon. Friend and the House generally that it was certainly not my intention, in answering the original Question, to show any sense of indifference or, indeed, lack of compassion towards these men. I endeavoured in my answers to supplementary questions to make this abundantly clear.