HC Deb 02 March 1955 vol 537 cc2040-1
14. Mr. Warbey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the Bangkok Conference of the Manila Treaty Powers.

Mr. Turton

When my right hon. Friend returns he will no doubt make a statement about his whole journey, including the Bangkok Conference. In the meantime, the hon. Member will have seen the full communiqué published at the end of the Conference.

Mr. Warbey

Can the hon. Gentleman in the meantime give the House an assurance that no undertakings were entered into at Bangkok which would result in this country being committed to intervene in the event of a legitimate attempt to upset the military dictatorship of Marshal Pibul Songgram of Siam?

Mr. Turton

I think the hon. Member would be wise to read through the very long and detailed communiqué that was issued which made it clear especially that the Governments reiterated that such military arrangements as they make will be purely defensive.

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Philips Price.

Mr. Nicholson

On a point of order. Is it not possible for a supplementary question to be asked on this subject from this side of the House, Mr. Speaker? A gross aspersion, which is entirely without foundation, has been cast upon the Government of a friendly nation.

Mr. Speaker

I understood the answer to be that we should wait until we got a full statement, and, if so, I think it is wise to do so.

Mr. Nicholson

Is it not customary to give an opportunity for a supplementary question to be put from this side of the House in such circumstances'? In this case, the hon. Member who asked the Question has made a gross and foundationless aspersion about the Government of a friendly country. I suggest that some opportunity might be given for that aspersion to be contradicted.

Mr. Speaker

I thought the Minister answered that point.

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