HC Deb 08 August 1966 vol 733 cc239-40W
69. Mr. Blaker

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is satisfied that in the absence of a defence agreement between the Federation of South Arabia and the United Kingdom the defence of the Federation will be adequately assured after independence by the United Nations; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. M. Stewart

The United Nations certainly has a part to play in safeguarding newly independent countries. It is to be expected that on obtaining independence South Arabia will become a member of the United Nations and will accordingly enjoy the protection afforded by the Charter against aggression from whatever quarter.

71. Mr. Maudling

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what military or financial assistance Her Majesty's Government are providing to the Federation of South Arabia which will enable them to defend themselves against attacks by the latest jet aircraft after the withdrawal of British forces.

73. Mr. Fisher

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is satisfied that the £5 million offer of defence aid made to the Government of South Arabia after independence in 1968 is adequate to ensure the territorial integrity of the Federation in the event of an attack by Egypt from the Yemen; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. M. Stewart

Defence aid offered to the Federation of South Arabia includes a contribution of up to £5½ million towards the cost of expanding and re-equipping the Federal Forces plus an annual grant of up to £2½ million in addition to the present annual contribution (which is about £7½ million) from now until three years after South Arabia's independence, if necessary. As my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster told the House on the 30th June, we consider that this aid is generous and will make a substantial contribution to the defence of South Arabia after independence.

It will allow the Federal Government to include in their forces an air component to discourage incursions of the kind which took place on the 30th July. An air defence system proof against such attacks, if indeed one exists, would be quite out of relation to our capacity to provide or theirs to sustain.