HC Deb 06 November 1974 vol 880 cc1056-7
19. Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if Her Majesty's Government supports the efforts of the Sultan of Oman to suppress the rebellion in Dhofar; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hattersley

We continue to support the efforts of the Sultan of Oman against the Dhofar rebels, who constitute a threat to the security of both Oman and the Gulf.

Mr. Newens

Will my hon. Friend confirm that the revolt in Dhofar began against one of the most tyrannical and horrible despots in the post-war world? Will he confirm that British forces have been seconded there, that the British Government have acquiesced in the arrival of thousands of Iranian troops there, who have burned villages, destroyed wells, killed off many of the stock animals, and done tremendous damage? Is this not in danger of becoming Britain's Vietnam? Are our hands clean—

Mr. Speaker

Order. That is enough to be going on with.

Mr. Hattersley

There were certainly many features of the Government of Oman, to which my hon. Friend refers as being reprehensible, about which I share his views, but, with great respect, I believe that in some respects those views are overstated. There is another side to the question, which I hope that he will also accept. That is, first, that the revolt is, in part—and in large part —organised from outside that country. Therefore, Britain has obligations to a country with which we have a treaty of defence and solidarity. Secondly, the participation of Iranian forces, while much overstated by my hon. Friend, is essentially a matter for them and not something which my hon. Friend ought legitimately to describe as being the subject of British acquiescence.

Mr. Wall

Will the Minister pay tribute to the Sultan's efforts in bringing democracy to his country, and to the Sultan's forces, including those British members seconded or on contract to those forces, for defeating a Communist-inspired invasion from South Yemen?

Mr. Hattersley

There is no doubt that there have been improvements in the way that the Sultan of Oman runs affairs in that country. Equally, I am sure that the hon. Gentleman, and certainly my hon. Friends, would agree that there has been room for that improvement, and the improvement was most welcome.