§ 42. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the South Arabia Conference.
§ Mr. PadleyYes. The discussions with Federal Ministers in London have now been concluded and a joint communiqué is being issued shortly.
Her Majesty's Government have offered to contribute up to £5.5 million towards the capital cost of putting into effect the Federal proposals for expanding and re-equipping their forces. They have also agreed to increase their present contribution to the recurrent costs of the Federal forces by up to £2.5 million annually. Provided there is no change in political conditions in South Arabia which might make its continuance inappropriate, this assistance will be continued for three years beyond the date when South Arabia becomes independent, on the assumption that this will occur not later than 1968.