54. Air Commodore Harveyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make representations to the Indonesian Government for the purpose of ensuring the safety of British aircraft landing at Djakarta airport in view of the disturbed situation there.
§ Mr. Ernest DaviesLanding facilities at Djakarta were temporarily restricted on the morning of 19th November. His Majesty's Ambassador at Djakarta is 31 being instructed to request the Indonesian Government to ensure that, in such circumstances, measures should be taken to safeguard landing facilities.
Air Commodore HarveyDoes the hon. Gentleman fully appreciate that on the date he mentioned the aircraft was about to land and that it was only because the crew received a wireless message from the agent on the ground, to the effect that there was fighting, that the aircraft was diverted? Would he take steps to see that better arrangements are made in future?
§ Mr. DaviesYes, Sir. There was some misunderstanding at Djakarta on this occasion and the information which was given to the B.O.A.C. plane was not entirely in accordance with the conditions. Steps have been taken to prevent this occurring again.