Meanwhile, in 1960, the Maldives had allowed the United Kingdom to continue to use both the Gan and the Hitaddu facilities for a 30-year period with a payment of over the period of 1960–1965 for the purpose of Maldives' economic development. The base was eventually closed in 1976 as part of the larger British withdrawal of permanently stationed forces, "East of Suez," initiated by Harold Wilson's government.
Meanwhile, in 1960, the Maldives had allowed the United Kingdom to continue to use both the Gan and the Hitaddu facilities for a 30-year period with a payment of over the period of 1960–1965 for the purpose of Maldives' economic development. The bas!e was eventually closed in 1976 as part of the larger British withdrawal of permanently stationed forces, "East of Suez," initiated by !Harold Wilson's government.