HC Deb 19 April 1956 vol 551 cc1169-70
42. Mr. Fenner Brockway

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what communications he has received from the Government of Ceylon regarding the constitutional and strategic relations of that country and Great Britain.

The Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (Commander Allan Noble)

None, Sir.

Mr. Brockway

Has any communication yet been received? Are the implications of the result of the election being considered by the Government, and are they not a symbol of the growing feeling in South-East Asia against any identity with either of the power blocs into which Europe is divided? Will the Minister reconsider the whole S.E.A.T.O. policy, in view of these election results?

Commander Noble

That goes much further than the Question on the Paper. We have had no communication from Ceylon, and I do not think that the House would expect me to go further today.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman convey to Ceylon a message that we should welcome continued association with Ceylon, with its new Government, with the Commonwealth?

Commander Noble

Yes, I most certainly will. I think, in fact, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has already sent such a message.