§ 38. Mr. G. Brownasked the Prime Minister whether he was consulted before it was decided that the visit of the task force of the Far East Fleet to South 419 Korea should be cancelled; and what were the reasons for the cancellation.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government decided that, following the coup d'état, the constitutional position in Korea was somewhat too obscure for a visit to be desirable at that moment. They so advised the Commander in Chief who gave orders for the visit to be cancelled.
§ Mr. BrownIs the Prime Minister aware that I am sorry he did not say that he had been consulted, because I had hoped to have this opportunity of congratulating him? In view, however, of the difference between the decision here and that taken only a few days before in Angola, would it not be a very good thing if the Prime Minister were to involve himself in these questions and get some consistency in the Government's actions?
§ The Prime MinisterTheir action is perfectly consistent. I have answered the case which the right hon. Gentleman has brought to me and I think that the action taken was correct.
§ Sir A. V. HarveyWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the visit of the British frigate to Angola satisfied many hundred British residents who were very glad to see the White Ensign there?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. That is another very good reason.