§ 63. Mr. Sandysasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what discussions have been held between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of the non-federated State of Katheri regarding its adhesion to the Federation of South Arabia; and what have been the results of those discussions.
§ Mr. George ThomsonIt is not as much a question of these states joining the present Federation as of joining with the western states to form a single State of South Arabia on independence. They have been left in no doubt as to Her Majesty's Government's policy on this point but discussions have not yet led to a conclusion.
§ Mr. Sandysasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) what discussions have been held between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of the non-federated State of Mahra regarding its adhesion to the Federation of South Arabia; and what have been the results of those discussions; (2) what discussions have been held between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of the non-federated State of Qa'Iti regarding its adhesion to the Federation of South 42W Arabia; and what have been the results of those discussions.
§ Mr. George ThomsonIt is not as much a question of these states joining the present Federation as of joining with the western states to form a single State of South Arabia on independence. They have been left in no doubt as to Her Majesty's Government's policy on this point but discussions have not yet led to a conclusion.
§ Mr. Sandysasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) what plans he has for conferring independence upon the State of Katheri; whether a date for independence has been mutually agreed; and, in the event of the State not joining the Federation, what arrangements are being made to enable it to defend itself against external aggression after independence; (2) what plans he has for conferring independence upon the State of Mahra; whether a date for independence has been mutually agreed; and, in the event of the State not joining the Federation, what arrangements are being made to enable it to defend itself against external aggression after independence; (3) what plans he has for conferring independence upon the State of Qa'Iti; whether a date for independence has been mutually agreed; and, in the event of the State not joining the Federation, what arrangements are being made to enable it to defend itself against external aggression after independence.
§ Mr. George ThomsonThese States will become independent at the same time as the rest of South Arabia and have received notice that their advisory and protection treaties will terminate upon that date, which has not yet been determined. For the last part of the question, I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to my reply to his Question on 16th March.—[Vol. 743, c.142.]