HC Deb 04 May 1970 vol 801 cc18-9
16. Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the guerrilla war which is at present taking place in Dhofar Province in the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman, in view of the involvement of members of Her Majesty's armed forces seconded to the service of the Sultan.

Mr. M. Stewart

So far as Her Majesty's Government's direct responsibility is concerned, I have nothing to add to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister of Defence for Administration on 25th March, 1970.—[Vol. 798, c. 417–8.]

Mr. Newens

But is it not a shameful betrayal of Socialist principles for a Labour Government to permit the use of British arms, manpower and equipment to maintain a régime which is completely devoid of any democratic features and in which slavery still flourishes? Is it not time that we put ourselves on the side of a régime which will be capable of achieving some sort of stability in the Middle East in the future?

Mr. Stewart

I am not quite sure what is the régime to which my hon. Friend refers.

Mr. Newens

The Sultanate.

Mr. Stewart

I understood what my hon. Friend was referring to at the beginning of his supplementary question, but when he referred to a régime in terms of establishing stability I was not clear to what he was referring. The Sultanate is now receiving oil revenues on a considerable scale. It should be possible to enable all its people to enjoy the rising standard of living which they are entitled to expect. Our policy is aimed at orderly progress and development for the welfare of the people in the area.

Mr. Lambton

Will the Foreign Secretary answer the first part of the Question, namely if he will make a statement on the guerrilla war which is at present taking place in view of the fact there is said to be intervention by China and other troops within the area?

Mr. Stewart

I have replied on that matter so far as Her Majesty's Government have responsibility, and I referred the House to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister of Defence for Administration.

Mr. Alan Lee Williams

Since from time to time allegations are made in the United Nations, particularly in the Fourth Committee, of which I have had some experience, would the Foreign Secretary take the opportunity of denying the rather extreme allegations about British Servicemen?

Mr. Stewart

Yes, Sir. There have been some allegations about the conduct of British Servicemen which are totally without foundation.