HC Deb 09 February 1965 vol 706 cc190-2
20. Sir F. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what discussions have taken place between the British and Malaysian Governments regarding the threat presented by the build-up of Indonesian troops near the Sabah and Sarawak borders; and whether the Australian and New Zealand Governments have been invited to join these discussions.

22. Mr. Sandys

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what information he has received from the Government of Malaysia regarding recent raids by Indonesian forces and the build-up of Indonesian forces on the borders of Sarawak and Sabah, and about the proposals for mediation by the President of Pakistan; and what arrangements have been made for the co-ordination of policy between the British Government and the Governments of Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand.

Mr. Bottomley

The British, Malaysian, Australian and New Zealand Governments have throughout consulted closely together on the situation arising from Indonesia's hostility towards Malaysia, and in particular in recent weeks over the threat posed by the build-up of Indonesian forces opposite Sarawak and Sabah.

As the Malaysian Government have informed the Security Council in letters dated 7th and 28th January, it is certain that Indonesia is reinforcing its regular forces in Borneo by several brigades, and that the number of Indonesian troops in the border area has already increased to some 10,000 to 12,000, and the total number in Kalimantan to between 15,000 and 20,000. The build-up is still continuing.

As regards the possibility of mediation by the President of Pakistan, I understand that the Malaysian Government have welcomed President Ayub's reported offer of Pakistan's good offices, but have added that, if efforts at mediation are to have any hope of success, Indonesia must first stop all hostilities and acts of aggression; and that any proposal for a solution should be based on respect for Malaysia's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Sir F. Bennett

While welcoming both the offer of the President of Pakistan and the help we are getting on this matter from Australia and New Zealand, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will do everything possible to make sure that he and his colleagues speak with one voice on the serious situation in that part of the world instead of misleading us by a succession of muddled and contradictory statements?

Mr. Bottomley

That is unfortunate language to use. I was under the impression that there was unanimity on the part of the Government and the Opposition in giving support to our Commonwealth partner, Malaysia.

Mr. Sandys

Has the right hon. Gentleman not missed the point made by my hon. Friend the Member for Torquay (Sir F. Bennett) who obviously was referring to the fact that the right hon. Gentleman's colleague, the Minister of Defence for the Army, tried to minimise and belittle the threat to Malaysia? May we take it from the right hon. Gentleman that he will support the Government of Malayisa in insisting that Indonesian forces be withdrawn from Malaysia's territory before there can be mediation?

Mr. Bottomley

I am sorry that the right hon. Gentleman did not go further and say that the Deputy Secretary of State for Defence stated the position of the Government correctly and that that was noted by the Malaysian Government themselves. As for support for Malaysia in resisting the threat from Indonesia, I have stated before at this Dispatch Box quite clearly that the Government stand firm in their desire to do all they can.

Mr. Shinwell

Will my right hon. Friend understand that we welcome any help that can be afforded by both Australia and New Zealand whenever Britain finds itself in an emergency and that we prefer the Commonwealth on our side rather than some countries of the Six, supported on the other side of the House?

Mr. Ennals

Is my right hon. Friend aware that we on this side of the House welcome the statement which he has made this afternoon? May I ask whether my right hon. Friend would proceed further with the possibilities of mediation, whether by Pakistan or some other country, which might lead to a peaceful settlement of this very disturbing dispute?

Mr. Bottomley

Certainly it is the intention to try and secure mediation, but the first requirement is that Indonesia should stop committing aggression.

Back to