§ Rear-Admiral Morgan Gilesasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the purpose of the naval patrol of Beira.
§ Mr. HealeyH.M. ships are patrolling in the Mozambique Channel in pursuance of the Security Council Resolution of 9th April, 1966.
§ Rear-Admiral Morgan Gilesasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many ships of the Royal Navy are engaged on the Beira patrol; where they are based; and how many Royal Fleet Auxiliaries are engaged in support of this patrol.
§ Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Secretary of State for Defence under which command the Beira patrol is operating, and what ships are now attached to this force.
§ Mr. HealeyA number of frigates and Royal Fleet Auxiliaries, under Middle East Command, have been engaged in patrolling the Mozambique Channel; it is not the practice to disclose details of current fleet deployments.
§ Rear-Admiral Morgan Gilesasked the Secretary of State for Defence what orders have been given to Her Majesty's ships taking part in the Beira patrol.
§ Mr. HealeyH.M. ships have been instructed to prevent the arrival at Beira of vessels reasonably believed to be carrying oil for Rhodesia.
§ Rear-Admiral Morgan Gilesasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is satisfied that the establishment of the Beira patrol does not offend against international law; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HealeyYes. It was precisely because Her Majesty's Government were determined to act in accordance with International Law that they sought and obtained a decision from the Security Council before taking action to intercept tankers approaching Beira. The patrol in the Mozambique Channel in pursuance of the Security Council Resolution of 9th April, 1966, is not a blockade; it has the limited objective of preventing the arrival at Beira of any vessels believed to be carrying oil destined for Rhodesia.