Emergency Situation

Oral Answers to Questions — Aden – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 3 February 1966.

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Photo of Mr Francis Noel-Baker Mr Francis Noel-Baker , Swindon 12:00, 3 February 1966

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies when she proposes to relax the emergency measures in Aden and Southern Arabia and to release detainees and to resume negotiations on the basis of free choice and self-determination with representative political leaders.

Photo of Mrs Margaret McKay Mrs Margaret McKay , Wandsworth Clapham

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if she is satisfied that the suspension of the Aden Constitution and the application of emergency measures have provided adequate security safeguards how long she expects the state of emergency to continue and what measures she has in hand to bring it to a conclusion.

Photo of Mr George Jackson Mr George Jackson , Brighouse and Spenborough

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether she will make a statement on the progress of plans for a return to constitutional progress in Aden.

Photo of Mrs Eirene White Mrs Eirene White , Flintshire East

Proposals prepared by constitutional experts appointed by the Federal Supreme Council will, we hope, offer a basis for agreement on a constitution for the whole area, including Aden and the Eastern Protectorates. The Council expects to receive the report before the end of this month.

Her Majesty's Government have always been willing to hold discussions with representative political leaders in Aden, as in the rest of South Arabia. The new proposals will provide a fresh opportunity.

Although the partial suspension of the Aden Constitution has improved the security situation in Aden State and has helped to produce greater stability in South Arabia generally, the terrorist campaign, organised from outside, has continued. The emergency measures will be lifted immediately this can be done without prejudicing the safety of law abiding citizens.

Photo of Mr Francis Noel-Baker Mr Francis Noel-Baker , Swindon

Will not my hon. Friend ask her right hon. Friends to look around the Commonwealth and study the recent history of Colony after Colony, which demonstrates conclusively that oppressive measures and the kind of terminology that she has employed today about the inhabitants of this territory has always, in the end, had but one result—that we have had to give in in the end? Will not she end the repressive measures and start free political discussions with the real representatives of the area?

Photo of Dr Horace King Dr Horace King , Southampton, Itchen

Order. Supplementary questions must be shorter.

Photo of Mrs Eirene White Mrs Eirene White , Flintshire East

As I have pointed out, terrorist activity in Aden is almost entirely organised from outside that territory. We are hopeful that the new situation will lead to further constitutional advance.

Photo of Mrs Margaret McKay Mrs Margaret McKay , Wandsworth Clapham

What possibilities are there of the political situation showing sufficient progress to permit the Government to advance the suggested date of withdrawal?

Photo of Mrs Eirene White Mrs Eirene White , Flintshire East

It would not be profitable to discuss this matter until we know what the proposals are that I referred to in my Answer.

Photo of Mr George Jackson Mr George Jackson , Brighouse and Spenborough

Bearing in mind all the difficulties, what chance does my hon. Friend feel there might be for talks in London with Mr. Mackawee and Mr. Abdullah Al Asnag.

Photo of Mrs Eirene White Mrs Eirene White , Flintshire East

I am certain that if either of these gentlemen cared to come my noble Friend the Secretary of State would be very willing to discuss matters with them.

Photo of Mr Nigel Fisher Mr Nigel Fisher , Surbiton

Apart from relaxing the emergency measures, can the hon. Lady give an assurance that the Government have the determination and the means to protect innocent people and to eliminate the organised terrorism and assassination which have cost many innocent lives, both Service and civilian, in the past 15 months?

Photo of Mrs Eirene White Mrs Eirene White , Flintshire East

The Government are naturally deeply concerned by the casualties which have occurred in the last months. Steps have been taken to tighten up the security measures and these have met with some success.