§ 89. Mr. Sandysasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reply he has received from the terrorist organisations to his offer to end the state of emergency in Aden and to release detainees.
§ Mr. George BrownI assume that the Question refers to my noble Friend Lord Shackleton's broadcast of 16th May calling upon all political groups to come forward and talk and to end violence. So far there has been no positive response to this broadcast from either of the two main terrorist organisations.
§ Mr. Sandysasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give an assurance that British troops will not be withdrawn from Aden until law and order have been restored.
§ Mr. George BrownBritish troops will remain in Aden until independence. Responsibility for law and order in Aden will then fall to the successor authority.
§ Mr. Sandysasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of the fact that terrorist intimidation in Aden makes it impossible to obtain a conviction from any jury, whether he will authorise magistrates to pass sentence without juries.
§ Mr. George BrownChief Magistrates in Aden, sitting without a jury, may pass sentences of up to four years' imprisonment. Last December these powers were extended in respect of offences under the Arms Ordinance to allow sentences of up to seven years' imprisonment.
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§ Mr. Sandysasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what recommendations have been made by the United Nations Mission following its visit to Aden; and whether the United Nations have offered any further assistance in the solution of the problems of South Arabia.
§ Mr. George BrownThe Mission remains at work, but has not yet made any recommendations. The United Nations have not offered any further assistance.