HC Deb 12 June 1967 vol 748 cc4-5W
50. Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has considered the resolution of the General Council of the United Nations Association, a copy of which has been sent to him, calling upon Her Majesty's Government not to hand over power in South Arabia to a Government unrepresentative of the peoples as a whole, and calling for an effective United Nations presence; what action he proposes to take; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. George Thomson

I told a delegation from the United Nations Association that the policy of Her Majesty's Government is to work in close consultation with all concerned and especially with the United Nations for the establishment of a broad-based Government, by the time of independence.

Mr. Walters

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what constitutional proposals for an independent South Arabia he has discussed with the Government of the Federation; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. George Brown

Sir Humphrey Trevelyan has now had time to settle in and has made a number of important reports which I am now considering. I will be in a position to fulfil my promise to the House to make a full statement of policy at the beginning of the debate planned for 19th June.

On the internal security situation in Aden, although there has been no fundamental change I regret to say that in the last few days two British servicemen were killed and five were wounded, and one British civilian was killed and two were wounded.

The United Arab Republic/Iraeli war, and the lie about British intervention broadcast by Cairo radio, as an alibi for its defeat increased tension in Aden and there were some disturbances which however were contained without difficulty. As two of them were in the Eastern Aden Protectorate, elements of the Irish Guards have been flown there as a precaution.

Mr. Walters

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has consulted King Feisal of Saudi Arabia during his official visit to the United Kingdom about the development of British policy in South Arabia and the Gulf, in view of the direct consequences for the security of that country.

Mr. George Brown

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's reply to a Question by the hon. Gentleman the Member for Shrewsbury (Sir J. Langford-Holt) on 6th June.—[Vol. 747, c. 789.]

Mr. Walters

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a date has yet been fixed for the final evacuation of British troops from South Arabia.

Mr. George Brown

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to my reply on 5th June to a Question by the hon. Gentleman the Member for Richmond, Surrey (Mr. A. Royle).—[Vol. 747, c.100.]