§ 11. Mr. Townsendasked the Secretary of State for Defence if the number of British troops serving in Oman is likely 1311 to be reduced by the end of the current year.
§ Dr. GilbertYes, Sir.
§ Mr. TownsendIs the Minister aware that British Service men in Oman help to bring peace and stability to that troubled area and at the same time gain valuable military experience? Will he confirm that the Government have no intention of withdrawing the SAS training team from Oman in the next four years at least?
§ Dr. GilbertThe military assistance to Oman will continue only as long as necessary—which means as long as it necessary for the Omanis to take over these responsibilities.
§ Mr. NewensDoes the Minister agree that although we claim that Britain needs armed forces to defend democracy, there never has been and there certainly is not now any democracy in Oman to defend? In these circumstances is it not right to ask the Sultan when he proposes to introduce elementary democratic rights for his people if we are to continue to have armed forces stationed there?
§ Dr. GilbertIt is not for me to comment in detail on the internal affairs of Oman. However, I would point out that a very great deal of progress has been made in the last few years under the present Sultan.
§ Mr. Maurice MacmillanDoes the Minister agree that quite apart from the situation in Oman, the presence of British forces in that country gives great service to British interests in the protection of the Gulf?
§ Dr. GilbertBritish forces are there to help the Omani services protect themselves, which I hope they will be able to do before long.