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appeared to accept the sincerity of our intention to withdraw from Aden. They did not consider that the present Federal Government was sufficiently representative but they would be prepared to accept a federal state in South Arabia, including Aden, if the Federal Government were more broadly
based.
In discussion it was suggested that the disappointing response of the
Federal Government to our proposals had reduced the advantages of the earlier independence date of 1st November. It might be advisable to
revert to the original date of 1st January 1968, offering maritime and air support for four months instead of six months, to end on the same date
(30th April 1968). The Federal Government had asked that the delivery date
of Jet Provost aircraft should be brought forward to bridge the gap between
the ending of our air cover and the date when the Federal Air Force would on
present plans be up to complement. We could probably meet their wishes without unacceptable consequences for the Royal Air Force by supplying them with Jet Provosts on temporary loan. The point was also made that to
prolong the period of uncertainty about the date on which the last British
troops would leave South Arabia was creating considerable difficulties for
the Services and was complicating the planning of the withdrawal. The
Commanders concerned should be told the new timetable as soon as possible.
The Committee
(1) Took note of the statements by the Minister of State for
Foreign Affairs and the Foreign Secretary.
(2)
Took note that the Prime Minister would arrange for the
position to be reported to the Cabinet on the following day.
2.
DEFENCE EXPENDITURE STUDIES
CONFIDENTIAL
The Committee had before them an interim report by the Official Comunittee (OPD (67) 22) on the defence expenditure studies.
The Committee's discussion is recorded separately.
Cabinet Office, S.W.1.
23rd March 1967
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