HC Deb 31 July 1958 vol 592 cc197-8W
Sir C. Mott-Radclyffe

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement about the negotiations conducted with the Sultan of Muscat and Oman during the Sultan's visit to the United Kingdom; and what forms of assistance are likely to be extended to the Sultan as a result.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

Yes. These negotiations, which were conducted in the most friendly spirit on both sides, led up to an exchange of letters between His Highness the Sultan of Muscat and Oman and myself, dated 25th July, which will be published as a White Paper as soon as possible.

Her Majesty's Government have agreed to provide assistance towards the strengthening of the Sultan's armed forces. The arrangements will include the secondment of personnel where necessary and the establishment of a small Air Force as an integral part of the Sultan's armed forces.

The economic and development problems of the Sultanate were also discussed and Her Majesty's Government will assist in a civil development programme, including road construction, medical and educational facilities and agricultural research.

The Sultan has approved the conclusion of an Agreement for the extension of present arrangements regarding civil aviation and the use by the Royal Air Force of the airfields at Salalah and Masirah.

The assistance to which I refer will, subject to Parliamentary approval, take the form of an annual grant in aid towards the capital and recurrent costs of the Sultan's armed forces. Parliamentary approval will be sought by way of a further Supplementary Estimate in due course for such assistance as will be given in the current financial year. In the interim period, expenditure will be met from advances from the Civil Contingencies Fund. The amount required for the current financial year is estimated at about £400,000.

In addition to the assistance covered by the exchange of letters, Her Majesty's Government have agreed to make available stores and supplies for the Sultan's armed forces for current security measures. Supplementary provision will be sought in due course.