HC Deb 16 December 1968 vol 775 cc853-4
10. Mr. Gordon Campbell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what negotiations are now taking place with the States in the Persian Gulf about the arrangements for their external affairs and defence after 1971.

83. Viscount Lambton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the negotiations now taking place between Her Majesty's Government and the Trucial States and Bahrain relevant to their defences and status after 1971.

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr. Goronwy Roberts)

As I told the hon. Gentleman on 1st April, we are engaged in discussion with the States concerned about the implications of the decision on with drawal.—[Vol. 762, c. 2–3.]

Mr. Campbell

While these States should be given every encouragement to work together for a stable future, will the Government none the less make clear that the United Kingdom will continue to help preserve peace in the area and to prevent any disruption of oil supplies?

Mr. Roberts

I agree that the States themselves should be encouraged to come to the right decision about the form of union or association which will suit them. We have indicated to them that we stand ready at all times, at their request, to advise and help them in achieving this aim.

We consider that the best way to main tain peace and stability in the area lies in enabling these States to stand on their own feet and also in bringing together their more powerful neighbours in an association and in support of the States once they have formed a union.

Mr. Mayhew

Does my right hon. Friend agree that, in all the circumstances, developments in the Gulf since the Government's decision to withdraw have been hopeful and constructive, and it is regrettable that uncertainty should have been created by the irresponsible statements of the Opposition that they will upset it if they are returned to power?

Mr. Roberts

It is a most encouraging and promising fact that, since our announcement that we would withdraw before the end of 1971, the Rulers and the peoples have come together and have had discussions which progressively show a constructive intention. It is true that any suggestion that we shall remain in the Gulf in a military posture after 1971 cannot assist the discussions which are now proceeding so helpfully there.