§ 17 and 19. Mr. Rankinasked the Lord Privy Seal (1) what action has been taken by the British representatives at the current meeting of the South East Asia Treaty Organisation Council of Ministers in Bangkok that will help to maintain the peace in South-East Asia; and if he will make a statement; and 941 (2) what is the nature and the extent of the military plan he is placing before the South East Asia Treaty Organisation Council.
§ Mr. HeathAs the Council meeting only began today it would be premature to make a statement; but I can assure the House that the need to maintain peace and security in South-East Asia is uppermost in the mind of my noble Friend, who is leading the British delegation. He is, however, not placing any military plan before the Council.
§ Mr. RankinI am sure many of us will be relieved to know that the Foreign Secretary is animated by the desire for peace. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some of the statements he is making now would not seem to carry that view and it may be very helpful if he contributed to the advance of peaceful negotiations in South-East Asia by helping with his silence?
§ Mr. HeathI think both sides of the House know that my noble Friend has devoted his efforts during the past few months to reaching a peaceful settlement in Laos. I must reject the statement of the hon. Member that he is doing other than that.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesWhat possible good could it do to the people of this country to be involved in a stupid war in that part of the world? Have not the Government learned anything from the tragedy of Korea?
§ Mr. HeathI do not think the hon. Member realises that we have obligations under the Manila Treaty.