HC Deb 28 April 1952 vol 499 cc50-1W
55. Mr. Bing

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement upon the circumstances in which British troops have occupied Lahej, the capital of the territories of the Sultan Fadhl Abdul Karim in the Protectorate of Aden and have been seeking to arrest the Sultan; and under what provision of what treaty this action is being taken.

Mr. Lyttelton

Although the Governor of Aden has visited Lahej and has done his utmost to help the Sultan, reports of progressive deterioration in the affairs of the State continued to reach Aden. This was brought to a head by a report on 14th April that the Sultan had authorised the killing without trial of two Amirs. In reply to an inquiry the Sultan virtually admitted that the Amirs, who were distant cousins of his, had been killed by his orders, claiming proof of their conspiracy against his life. There have been other incidents, though not so serious as the present, which have caused anxiety.

In the opinion of the Governor and others the recent conduct of the Sultan gives ground for believing that he is mentally deranged. The Governor therefore felt that he ought to take quick and determined action. Accordingly, with my approval, he informed the Sultan on 20th April that he should come to Aden for medical treatment and that an independent inquiry should be held by the Judge of the Colony. When on the following day the Sultan fled to the Yemen, the town of Lahej was occupied, by the Governor's orders, by the Aden Protectorate Levies without any incident.

The Political Officer with the Levies took steps to ensure that the administration was continued, and that law and order were maintained pending the election of a Council of Regency by the traditional electoral body of the Sultanate. The Governor has since reported that it is hoped that the Aden Protectorate Levies will be withdrawn not later than 29th or 30th April. The inquiry by the Colony Judge was held on the 25th April, and the Judge's report is awaited.

This action was taken by the Governor of the Aden Protectorate as a necessary act of policy. The situation was exceptional and our obligations as the protecting power to the people of Lahej were considered to override any agreement with the Ruler concerning his personal rule.