Taking the Hard Line:Emergency Powers (5 June 1965–25 September 1965)

Abstract

On the 5th of June 1965, the High Commissioner published new emergency regulations to deal with the mounting security problem in Aden. They granted Turnbull increased powers of detention, allowed him to take possession of vehicles and buildings, sanctioned a “vehicle curfew”, and permitted the requisitioning of ships and aircraft registered in Aden. The regulations defined terrorists and prescribed penalties for terrorist acts and acts in support of terrorists. Under the new regulations, the National Liberation Front was declared a terrorist organization. The Times said that the High Commissioner had “started applying in Aden state his experiences with Mau Mau terrorists in Kenya”.¹