HC Deb 21 June 1971 vol 819 cc172-3W
33. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will identify the sections of the relevant United Nations resolution which require the United Kingdom to maintain a naval patrol off Beira; and if he will state the minimum force laid down by the United Nations as being the force which this country is required to maintain for this purpose.

Mr. Godber

Operative paragraph 5 of Security Council Resolution 221 of 9th April, 1966 calls upon the Government of the United Kingdom to prevent, by the use of force if necessary, the arrival at Beira of vessels reasonably believed to be carrying oil destined for Southern Rhodesia. The means of achieving this objective is within the discretion of Her Majesty's Government.

47. Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his Department has had with the Government of Malagasy Republic regarding the use of facilities in that country by the Royal Air Force in connection with the Beira Patrol, and with what result.

Sir Alec Douglas-Home

The Government of the Malagasy Republic have told Her Majesty's Ambassador in Tananarive that they would like to review the need for the Royal Air Force detachment to remain at Majunga. Confidential exchanges with the Malagasy Government on this subject are continuing.