Nos 1-44. (Described at item level) p.278

DEFE 5/73 1957 Jan 1 - Feb 19
2 63304/D.1144 60m 3/56 P.I. Gp. 1144-1.
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AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY, CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE
0.0.5.(57)42
13TH FEBRUARY, 1957

CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE

SITUATION ON THE ADEN/YEMEN BORDER

Report by the Chiefs of Staff

We have prepared a short appreciation of the present
situation and likely developments on the Aden/Yemen border
and the adequacy of the forces available.

PRESENT SITUATION

2. In much of the den Protectorate, including all the
Eastern part, the situation is quiet. Hostilities,
however, have continued and increased in parts of the
Vestern Protectorate adjoining the Yemen frontier, mainly
on the borders of the Amirate of Dhala and the Amirate of
Beihan. These two states have been subjected to raids by
Yemeni tribesmen supported in some cases by Yemeni regular
troops. In both States Yemeni subversion by gifts of money,
arms and ammunition has continued to incite dissident
elements to rebellion and to hostile incursions from places
within the Yemen, where they are harboured by the Yemeni
authorities,

3. Hostile raids have been resisted by Protectorate security
forces, including those of the Protectorate Rulers concerned,
reinforced when necessary by the Royal Air Force and British
land forces. Fighting in these encounters has not been
serious and casualties on our side have been small. Action
has recently been taken by British and local forces and air craft to clear two villages in Beihan which were occupied by
the Yemenis in December.

4. The ambush which recently caused casualties to a patrol
of the 1st Battalion Cameron Highlanders was carried out by
dissident elements within the Protectorate and punitive
action has now been taken against their village.

LIKELY FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

5. The latest J.I.C. assessment of the situation on the
Yemen/Aden Protectorate border is that the continuance of
the present scale of intensity of operations will depend on
two factors. Firstly, the degree of success or otherwise

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