§ 29. Mr. Warbeyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the qualifications of Mr. Pote Sarasin for appointment as Secretary-General of the South-East Asia Treaty Organisation.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydNai Pote Sarasin was the unanimous choice of all the member Governments of the South-East Asia Treaty Organisation because of his wide knowledge and experience of international affairs and his special knowledge of the Treaty area.
§ Mr. WarbeyIs the Foreign Secretary aware that Mr. Sarasin recently accepted nomination as Prime Minister of Thailand from a military junta following a military coup d'état? In view of that, does Mr. Sarasin still retain the confidence of Her Majesty's Government? Does not this make nonsense of the Government's pretence that S.E.A.T.O. is intended to protect democracy and civil liberties?
§ Mr. LloydMr. Sarasin, as I expect the hon. Member knows, was deputy Foreign Minister of his country and then Foreign Minister, and he was also ambassador in Washington. He has had a very considerable period of experience in international affairs. He is at present fulfilling the duties of Prime Minister, with a view, I understand, to handing over to some other Government. We think he is very well qualified for the duties of the post in question.