§ 70. Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, before granting independence to the South Arabian Federation, he will obtain an assurance from the Government of Saudi Arabi that there will be no interference in the affairs of the Federation; and whether the concept of a United Nations presence in Aden and in the Federation during the next 12 months is still part of the Government's policy.
§ Mr. William RodgersThis is unnecessary. We have been in constant touch with the Government of Saudi Arabia and they are well aware of our views.
On the second part of the Question, our policy has been to work closely with the United Nations in accordance with the General Assembly Resolution of last December for as long as we have responsibility for South Arabia. The question of a United Nations presence after independence must be one for the South Arabian Government and the United Nations as a whole.
§ 79. Mr. G. Campbellasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what arrangements have now been made for the safety of British lives and property in South Arabia after the departure of British forces.
16W
§ Mr. William RodgersThere is little I can add to what my right hon. Friend said on 7th November and what my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence said on 8th November. Our Embassy will be responsible for the protection of British subjects in the normal diplomatic sense and, will assist them, should the need arise, to leave the country in accordance with plans which have already been prepared.—[Vol. 753, c. 840; c. 1009–10.]