HC Deb 20 April 1961 vol 638 cc1383-4
40. Mr. Brockway

asked the Prime Minister what official discussions he had with President Kennedy regarding the use of British and American troops and provision of facilities in the dispute between Indonesia and the Netherlands about the future of West Irian.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. R. A. Butler)

I have been asked to reply.

As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister told the House on 13th April, he does not wish to go beyond what he then said about the substance of his talks with President Kennedy.

Mr. Brockway

Will the right hon. Gentleman convey to the Prime Minister the desire of many of us that action should be taken to prevent hostilities between Indonesia and the Netherlands Government on this issue, and our desire for an assurance that British troops and arms will not be used if a conflict develops?

Mr. Butler

In answer to the latter part of the Question, my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal has told the House that the Government have accepted no commitment to give military support to the Netherlands Government protecting their territory in Netherlands New Guinea. No such question therefore arises. The only assurance I can give is that if there were any such intention—which I have already denied—we should naturally keep Parliament informed.

I will keep my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister informed of the wishes of the House in this matter.

Mr. Gaitskell

Is this the right way to handle this matter? Is not the right way for it to be considered by the Security Council if there is the slightest danger of any conflict?

Mr. Butler

No such eventuality arises at present, but no doubt that would be the right method of dealing with it if it did.