§ 48. Mr. Bennasked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement as to the policy of Her Majesty's Government with regard to the threat to peace constituted by the war in Indo-China which matter is on the agenda for the forthcoming meeting in Washington.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerHer Majesty's Government have very much in mind the importance of Indo-China to the defence of South-East Asia, but I have no formal statement to make at present.
§ Mr. BennWill the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that there will be no alteration in British policy towards Indo-China without its being indicated beforehand to the House of Commons.
§ Mr. ButlerI can give no general assurance of that sort at this stage. If I had a statement to make indicating there was an alteration with which the House should be acquainted I should make it now. I can only say that this matter and its importance will be discussed in the talks in Washington, and, no doubt, the House will wish a full report of those talks when my noble Friend returns. I can only give the usual assurance that the House will be kept informed of any major trends of policy undertaken by the Government.
§ Mr. A. HendersonWill not the right hon. Gentleman, on behalf of the Government, at least welcome the statement about Indo-China that was recently published on behalf of the Government of France?
§ Mr. ButlerI have not received any formal communication from the French Government of the steps taken by the French Government. Therefore, I can make no official statement; but Her Majesty's Government have been interested to see those developments.