Oman

HC Deb 16 July 1975 vol 895 cc1479-80

5. Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the current state of relations between the United Kingdom and Oman.

Mr. Ennals

Our relations with Oman are very good. Our exports to May this year are three times the equivalent 1974 figures. Many of these goods contribute to civil development, which absorbs one third of the budget.

Mr. Newens

What attitude are the Government taking to the efforts of the Arab League to secure a settlement of the rebellion in the area? Does my right hon. Friend regard the proposal put forward for the withdrawal of all foreign troops from Oman as reasonable and sensible in the circumstances, if a settlement can be achieved?

Mr. Ennals

We have warmly welcomed the position of the Arab League Conciliation Commission. In May 1974, when it was established, the Sultan of Oman readily received its members and gave all the information for which they asked. The sad thing was that they were not admitted to the People's Democratic Republic of the Yemen. That inevitably made their task more difficult. We hope that they will be able to continue with that task.

When those from outside Oman who are seeking to overthrow the Sultan cease doing that, there will be no problem about the withdrawal of other troops. The responsibility lies with those who are seeking to overturn not only a long- standing friend of Britain, but a country which is making very rapid progress.

Mr. Blaker

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the House will welcome the clear words at the end of his statement, in which he made it evident that the Government recognise that the war in Oman is continuing only because the so-called rebels are supplied and encouraged from South Yemen? Bearing in mind that Oman commands the entrance to the Gulf, and what we have recently learned about the building of Soviet installations in Somalia, is it not clearly in the interests of the West, and particularly this country, that stability should be preserved in Oman?

Mr. Ennals

There is the question of stability in the whole area, but our commitment is to Oman. Oman is being challenged, but the challenge, by those responsible for it, is also a challenge to the stability of other countries in the Gulf.

Mr. George Cunningham

Are the numbers of British troops seconded to the service of Oman still kept secret, as they were under the previous Government, or is that information which the present Government are prepared to release to the House?

Mr. Ennals

There are about 200 British seconded personnel serving in the Sultan's armed forces.