HC Deb 17 April 1967 vol 745 cc5-6W
58. Mr. Fisher

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement about the increase in terrorism in Aden and the Government's plans to ensure law and order in the colony.

Mr. George Brown

The recent high wave of terrorism, which occurred at the time of the visit of the United Nations Mission to Aden, has now receded. As regards the second part of the question I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply he received from my right hon. Friend the Minister of State (Mr. Thomson) on 13th March.—[Vol. 743, c.8.]

70. Sir G. de Freitas

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the confusion which arises in Africa because heads of British diplomatic missions in self-governing Commonwealth countries are described as "British High Commissioners" and the senior British official in Aden, who is not only the head of a diplomatic mission, is also described as High Commissioner, he will cease describing this official as a high commissioner and instead describe him so as to make it clear that his duties are administrative as well as diplomatic.

Mr. George Thomson

No. There is ample precedent for the title of High Commissioner in cases of this kind.

72. Mr. Hastings

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the Russian proposal to seek facilities for a naval and air base in Aden after independence, he will now reconsider his policy of withdrawing British troops and granting independence to the colony.

Mr. George Brown

No. Reports that the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics proposes to seek such facilities have been denied in Soviet radio commentaries.

74. Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will ensure that no obstacles of any kind are placed in the way of the work of the United Nations Mission to Aden by the Government of the South Arabian Federation.

Mr. George Brown

I told the House on 10th April that I would be discussing the Mission's difficulties with them. I did so yesterday. I hope we can remove any obstacles from whatever quarter.

78. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many Adenis and citizens of the South Arabian Federation are employed by the British authorities in Aden; and how many are employed by Her Majesty's forces in Aden and in the Federation.

Mr. George Brown

The High Commission employs 13 Adenis and 30 other South Arabians, and the Forces 2,990 Adenis and 2,270 other South Arabians, of whom only some 200, mainly non-Adenis, are in the Federation outside Aden. The Aden Government for its part employs 1,100 Adenis and 1,700 other South Arabians.

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