HC Deb 28 October 1946 vol 428 cc284-5
65. Mr. Rees-Williams

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what agreement has been arrived at with the Netherlands Government for the training of Netherlands troops in the United Kingdom; and what commitments there are in respect of the training of such troops in this country after 30th November next, at which date British military responsibility in Indonesia is to end.

Mr. Mayhew

In January last year His Majesty's Government offered to help the Netherlands Government in the training of the Netherlands Armed Forces after the defeat of Germany. This was an extension of the wartime arrangements for training Netherlands Forces which had been constituted in the United Kingdom. This offer was accepted by the Netherlands Government, and the greater part of their requirements have already been met. Such further requirements as they may still have will have to be examined in relation to the other demands on our existing training facilities.

Mr. Rees-Williams

Will there be any training in this country after 30th November? That is what I want to know.

Mr. Mayhew

I think that is most unlikely. As the hon. Member will understand, these arrangements were made originally because the Germans were still in Holland. I have no doubt that in future the Netherlands Government will not want to send soldiers over here to be trained.

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

Would the hon. Gentleman represent to the War Office that this country is not suitable country for training troops on a large scale?

Mr. Mayhew

As I explained in my original answer, any future requirements will have to be considered in relation to our training facilities.

Mr. Wyatt

Will my hon. Friend say how long it is proposed to continue arming and supplying the Dutch troops in Indonesia?

Mr. Mayhew

I think that is another question.

Mr. Rees-Williams

Does my hon. Friend realise that if any troops are trained here after 30th November, it will be regarded by the Indonesian Administration as being a breach of any agreement that has been reached?

Mr. Mayhew

No, Sir. We have never had any commitments to train troops for the East Indies, and I do not think that is the case at all. As I explained originally, it is most unlikely that any training will be undertaken here after that date.