HC Deb 22 January 1968 vol 757 c31
34. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why, and under what treaty, two United States destroyers and a tender are stationed at Bahrain as their home port.

Mr. William Rodgers

There are no United States destroyers stationed at Bahrain. The only United States naval ship stationed there is a tender, the flagship of the Commander, Middle East Force, United States Navy. By agreement with the Ruler of Bahrain the headquarters of this force has been at Bahrain since 1959.

Mr. Allaun

Since the ships certainly have been there and since we are spending £12 million this year on military installations alone in Bahrain, are we not entitled to ask the Americans for a substantial financial contribution?

Mr. Rodgers

We have made clear what our attitude is to our continued presence in the Gulf. It is for the Americans to decide what rôle they wish to perform.