Yemen Joins United Arab Republic

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28531, 10 March 1958, Page 9

Yemen Joins United Arab Republic

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 8 p.m.) DAMASCUS, March 8. President Nasser and Crown Prince Mohammed El Badr of the Yemen have signed an agreement for the federation of the Red Sea kingdom with the Syrian and Egyptian United Arab Republic. The agreement said that the union would have unified armed forces but the Yemen would maintain its international status and monarchy. The agreement signed yesterday provided for the establishment of a Supreme Federal Council to which defence, economic and cultural councils would be attached.

The semi-official Egyptian newspaper, “Al Shaab,” said on March 2 that the Supreme Council would consist of Colonel Nasser and Imam Ahmad of the Yemen, and would ratify the decision of other councils. The Yemen’s union with the republic proclaimed by Egypt ana Syria on February 1 will bring its total population to about 31,800,000 —23,400,000 Egyptians, 4,500,000 Yemenis, and 3,900,000 Syrians. Its area will be 633,000 square miles. The three members have no common frontiers. The Yemeni Crown Prince said last Sunday that he hoped his country’s federation with the republic would “liberate Southern Arabia.” [The Yemen claims Britain’s Aden protectorate, on its southern borders.] The agreement said that members of the union would follow a unified foreign policy, but provided for diplomatic representation to remain separate, except when otherwise decided.

It also called on any other Arab countries wishing to join the republic to do so.