HC Deb 02 April 1946 vol 421 cc1095-6
40. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Secretary of State for War by what date the British and Indian troops now in Indonesia will have evacuated that country; and how many Dutch troops, it is estimated, will have landed in Indonesia by that date.

Mr. Bellenģer

It is not possible at this stage to forecast when British and Indian troops will have evacuated Indonesia. Nor is it possible to estimate how many Dutch troops will have landed by then.

Mr. Gallacher

In view of the talk about independence for Indonesia, can the hon. Gentleman tell me why our troops are holding the wicket for the Dutch in Indonesia and preventing Indonesians from achieving independence?

Mr. Bellenģer

I think that question would be more appropriately addressed to my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

Might I ask the hon. Gentleman if the date might not happily synchronise with the evacuation of Persia by the Russians?

Mr. Gallacher

Did our troops go into Indonesia to prevent Indonesia from getting independence or to round up the Japanese? What was the object?

Mr. Bellenģer

I am afraid that is not a question that should be put to the War Office.