§ Mr. Stonehouseasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a further statement on the conduct of military operations in the Federation of South Arabia.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftSince my statement to the House on 11th May the second phase of the operations against rebel 153W tribesmen in the Radfan area of the South Arabian Federation has continued. British and Federal forces, taking advantage of the high peaks captured earlier, have cleared additional areas in the neighbourhood of the Wadi Dhubsan. A reconnaissance in strength has also been carried out from the south of the Radfan territory. These actions are part of the overall plan of quick thrusts from different directions aimed at keeping the dissidents on the move.
§ Mr. Stonehouseasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will set out in detail the arrangements made in the area of South Arabia for making appropriate political advice available to commanders of British forces.
§ Mr. ThorneycroftPolitical advice is given as appropriate either by the British High Commissioner or by a Political Officer appointed to Middle East Command by the Foreign Office.