HC Deb 01 December 1964 vol 703 cc223-4
28. Mr. Sandys

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what information he has received from the British High Commissioner in Malaysia about recent acts of aggression against Malaya and Sarawak by Indonesian forces; and what requests he has received for further assistance from the Malaysian Government.

Mr. Bottomley

I understand that during the past two months there have been at least seventeen further Indonesian acts of armed aggression against Malaysia.

The British Government continue to support the Malaysian Government to the full in defending Malaysian soil against these attacks. I have received no request for the deployment of additional British forces for this purpose.

Mr. Sandys

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his statement that the British Government continue to support Malaysia to the full will be widely welcomed? Is he aware that his assurance that the Government will continue to carry out the policy of maintaining support for Malaysia, taken together with his earlier statement that the British Government will retain their base in Cyprus, taken together with the other statements that the British Government will maintain their commitment to B.O.A.R. and their base in Aden, shows not very much change in their defence policy?

Mr. Bottomley

The right hon. Gentleman ought to know better. The last supplementary question should be addressed to the Minister of Defence. All I can say about that part of the question which concerns me is that when I was on the other side of the House I expressed the same opinions about Malaysia as I have today.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Is the United Nations Security Council aware of this threat to international peace and security? If so, has it anything to say or do about it?

Mr. Bottomley

That is a matter for the Foreign Office.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Would not my right hon. Friend agree with me that there is a case for the £200 million spent in Cyprus during the last 10 years having been better invested in Scotland? Will he convey to the Government that in Scotland we want the £20 million a year, which the Government are to persist on spending in Cyprus, where it will give better service to the country?

Mr. Speaker

I have great difficulty in working Scotland into a Question about Malaya and Sarawak.

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