§ 2.54 p.m.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their attitude towards the invitations by the Government of Malaysia to China, the Soviet Union and the United States of America to guarantee the neutrality of South-East Asia.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE, FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIAN)My Lords, although we are not aware of any specific invitations, the Malaysian Government naturally desire that South East Asia should not become an area of conflict between outside Powers. Her 899 Majesty's Government support any policies which contribute to the peace and stability of an area with which we have so many ties.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, while welcoming the first part of the Answer to this Question, may I ask whether it is not very desirable in the whole area of South-East Asia that China, on the one hand, and the United States of America, on the other, should not seek, either by arms supplies or other means. to exert control of these areas? Will Her Majesty's Government give the utmost support to the Government of Malaysia in this initiative?
§ THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIANYes, my Lords, I think I can agree with the noble Lord that we would support any initiative, whether from the Government of Malaysia or indeed from the United States or China, which will in any way contribute to the peace and security of that part of the world.