THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIREMy Lords, with your Lordships' permission, I will now reply to the Question put by the noble Earl earlier this afternoon. I will use the same words as my honourable friend used in replying to a similar Question in another place:
"Her Majesty's Government have received reports from the High Com- 1262 missioner indicating that an incursion into Federal territory by a small Yemeni force has been made, apparently during the course of operations against the Royalists in the Harib area. Our latest information does not indicate any activity on the part of this small force. We are in touch with the High Commissioner, and I hope to be able to make a more detailed statement very soon."
EARL ALEXANDER OF HILLS-BOROUGHMy Lords, I am obliged for the statement. I am very interested because my nephew is commanding the Commandos 80 miles North of Aden.
THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIREMy Lords, I am sure the House is reassured that the force is in such capable hands.
§ LORD OGMOREMy Lords, as this is one further piece of evidence of instability in this region, could the noble Duke explain why Her Majesty's Government recognised the new régime in Iraq very quickly but have so far failed to recognise the new régime in the Yemen?
§ VISCOUNT HAILSHAMMy Lords, I do not know that that arises out of the statement.
§ LORD OGMORECertainly it arises out of the instability.
§ VISCOUNT HAILSHAMThe noble Lord can put a Question down if he wants an answer to it.