§ 108. Mr. Kelleyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what protest he has made to the Turkish authorities concerning their action in forcing a British Britannia airliner to land at Ankara on 18th July; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. R. AllanA protest has not been made about this incident. I am informed that the aircraft which was carrying Service men and their families from the United Kingdom to Singapore had strayed from the authorised air route and had flown over a prohibited military area in Western Turkey. It was requested by the Turkish air traffic control authorities to land at Ankara airport for investigation. The pilot complied with this request. Contrary to Press reports, no Turkish fighter aircraft were involved. After brief questioning of the pilot, the aircraft was allowed to resume its flight. The reason for the aircraft's deviation from the authorised route is being investigated.