§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consultations he has had with the United States Government about Anglo-United States collaboration in the defence of the Gulf and western Indian Ocean areas.
§ Mr. JuddWe have regular and close consultations with the United States on a whole range of issues of common concern, both political and military. As my right hon. Friend told the House on 20 February, he considers that the security of the Gulf area is best handled by the States of the area themselves in a regional context. We believe the States concerned see it this way. We are prepared to respond within our means to requests for help which they may make of us.—[Vol. 963, c. 257.]