HC Deb 30 June 1954 vol 529 cc99-100W
70. Mr. T. Reid

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the cause of the recent attacks by Yemeni regular troops and irregulars on the Aden Protectorate: what was the extent of the disorders; and what settlement has been arrived at.

Mr. Lyttelton

Yemeni territory adjoining the Aden Protectorate has, in spite of protests from Her Majesty's Government, been used during recent months as a base by tribesmen who are in rebellion against the Audhali Sultan, one of the Chiefs of the Western Aden Protectorate under British protection.

There have been a number of frontier incidents in which Protectorate forces have supported the Sultan. On 18th June an attack was made by a force of 80 regular Yemeni troops and 400 Yemeni tribal regulars, and was repulsed with some loss of life.

A strong protest has been made to the Yemen Government and I am in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and with the Governor on the situation.