HC Deb 25 November 1946 vol 430 cc1238-9
9. Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the prospect of a peaceful settlement in Indonesia, the impending withdrawal of all British Forces and the neutral attitude adopted by His Majesty's Government, he will give an assurance that no Dutch troops will be trained in Britain after 30th November.

Mr. Mayhew

No, Sir. As I explained to the House in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for South Croydon (Mr. Rees-Williams) on 28th October, Netherlands troops have been trained here as a result of an arrangement which dates back to the time of the war and which has nothing to do with the Indonesian question. It is quite possible that the Netherlands Government will wish to continue to send individual members of their armed forces to take part in training courses in the United Kingdom. If they do so, their requirements, in common with those of other foreign Governments, fellow members of the United Nations, will be considered in relation to our present and prospective obligations under the Charter and to our existing training facilities and the overall demands made upon them.

Mr. Driberg

While congratulating the Government on their contribution to this settlement, may I ask my hon. Friend to bear in mind the real danger that, if we continue to train and equip these forces, which are only going to Indonesia, and if trouble should break out there again, owing to the intransigeance of the Dutch reactionaries, we may seem to the Indonesians to be abandoning our neutrality?

Mr. Mayhew

While warmly welcoming the congratulations from that quarter, I would say that the Indonesians, who have the highest respect for His Majesty's Government, are, I am sure, well aware of these arrangements, and have not expressed any misgivings or doubts on this score.

Mr. Piratin

Is it for the purpose of training Dutch troops that the Government intend to take over Dartmoor?

Air-Commodore Harvey

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that many Dutch officers in this country are undergoing long courses, and that we have given assurances that these courses will not be interrupted? Is he aware that there is a strong feeling in this country that we should do all we can to help the Dutch in their difficulties?

Mr. Mayhew

I do not think I can add anything to the answer I have already given.

Mr. Austin

With regard to the phrase in the Question, "the impending withdrawal of all British Forces," is my hon. Friend prepared to give the date of such withdrawal?

Mr. Mayhew

Yes, Sir. I confirmed 30th November.