SARAWAK AND INDONESIA (SUPPLY OF ARMS)

HC Deb 25 November 1963 vol 685 cc24-6

29. Mr. Fair

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that guerilla operations against British troops in Sarawak are supported by Hercules aircraft from Indonesia and that these aircraft are only able to be maintained by the continuous supply of spares from the United States of America; and if he will make representations to the United States Government that the supply of these spares should be stopped.

33. Mr. Healey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations he has made to the United States administration concerning the supply of military equipment to Indonesia, which is at present engaged in hostilities against British forces in Malaysia.

Mr. R. A. Butler

As a result of representations already made to the United States Government, we have ascertained that the spares for 10 Hercules aircraft are not part of the United States Government aid to Indonesia, but are being supplied by a commercial firm under long-standing contract. An export licence applied for by the firm in connection with this contract was approved in September.

No application has been made since then, and we are asking the United States Government not to grant one. The United States Administration have assured us that no military assistance is being given to Indonesia.

Mr. Farr

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I press upon him to make vigorous representations on our behalf in this connection? Moreover, will he remind the American Government that these aircraft were supplied to the Indonesians on condition that they were used for non-aggressive military purposes?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir. I answer affirmatively to both parts of my hon. Friend's supplementary question.

Mr. Healey

While welcoming very much the assurances given by the right hon. Gentleman, may I ask whether he would not agree that our hand would be stronger if he could assure the American Government that we have taken steps to see that no spares are provided to service the British equipment which has been given to the Indonesian forces? Can he give any information about the supply of British technicians to install and maintain the Decca early warning system in Indonesia?

Mr. Butler

I should want notice on the last point. I should say, on the first point, that the export of arms and military equipment to any destination is controlled by licensing. This has always been particularly stringent in the case of Indonesia. No licences at all have been granted since mid-September.