HC Deb 23 February 1965 vol 707 cc223-4
Q2. Viscount Lambton

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance to the Government of India that in the event of that country being invaded by armed forces the British Government will give both military and economic aid independent of the action of the United Nations.

The Prime Minister

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to my answer to the Question put by the hon. Member for Bury St. Edmunds (Mr. Eldon Griffiths) on 4th February. Any action we should take in such circumstances would be in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter and would, we hope, be supported by the Organisation.

Viscount Lambton

Would the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to give an assurance that in certain circumstances we would be able to act before any sanction was given by the United Nations?

The Prime Minister

As far as our arrangements with Commonwealth countries are concerned, I think that we have always shown our readiness, ability and willingness to act on conditions which are fully consonant with the Charter of the United Nations.

Mr. Ennals

May I ask my right hon. Friend what commitment the previous Government made in this connection? Was it not my right hon. Friend himself who put forward the proposal for military aid on a lend-lease basis at the time of Chinese aggression? Would he also confirm that it was the previous Government which delayed for 18 months in granting credits for frigates for India which she desperately needed?

The Prime Minister

A good part of the history outlined by my hon. Friend is undoubtedly true. But, as far as assurances and commitments are concerned, it has always been understood that this country stands ready to lend assistance to Commonwealth countries threatened from outside.

Sir Alec Douglas-Home

The Prime Minister will agree, I take it, that if we are thinking in these terms at all, we are the judges of what commitments we undertake at any time and that there is nothing like an automatic guarantee in his mind?

The Prime Minister

Certainly that is the position. But, as in the case of Malaysia, which is a separate question, we have shown that we felt it right to act in accordance with our undertakings to Malaysia.

Sir Alec Douglas-Home

Of course, we had a treaty with Malaysia.