§ Mr. George Cunninghamasked the Minister of State for Defence how many British military personnel are currently seconded to the armed forces of Oman; what is the analysis by rank; who pays the costs of these personnel; whether their secondment is based on a written agreement; and whether that agreement has been registered with the United Nations.
§ Lord BalnielAbout 70 officers and 15 other ranks are serving with the armed forces of Oman; the cost is borne by the Sultanate; this assistance is provided in pursuance of an agreement with the Sultan of Muscat of Oman concluded in July, 1958, and presented to Parliament in Command Paper No. 507 of August, 1958, which was also registered with the United Nations.
§ Mr. George Cunninghamasked the Minister of State for Defence with what countries agreements registered with the United Nations have been concluded providing for the secondment of British military personnel; and if he will place copies of the agreements in the Library.
§ Lord BalnielGuyana, Kenya, Malaysia, Mauritius and also Botswana which I regret was omitted from my earlier reply. These were all published as Command Papers and copies placed in the Library. Their numbers are 3483, 3582, 3578, 3635 and 3937, respectively.—[Vol. 831, c.231.]
§ Mr. George Cunninghamasked the Minister of State for Defence why 20 of the 24 agreements this country has made with other countries for the secondment of British military personnel to those countries have not been registered with the United Nations; whether Oman is one of the countries covered by an unregistered agreement; how many personnel are currently seconded under unregistered agreements; and how many unregistered agreements are unclassified for the purposes of British documentation security.
§ Lord BalnielIn concluding these arrangements the countries concerned have preferred that they remain confidential; in the case of Oman I refer the hon. 327W Member to my reply to his Question on Oman of today; some 480 personnel; none.