HC Deb 21 June 1965 vol 714 cc1184-5
19. Mr. Hamling

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what new initiatives he proposes to take with Indonesia to settle outstanding differences.

Mr. Padley

There is little I can add to the Answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State to my hon. Friend on 3rd May, and my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's statement in the Commonwealth and Colonial Affairs Debate on 1st June.

Mr. Hamling

While appreciating that this is largely a matter for discussion between Malaysia and Indonesia, may I ask whether my hon. Friend would agree that our treaty guarantees to Malaysia put us in a very special position and that we could pursue an initiative that could do some good in easing the situation between Malaysia and Indonesia?

Mr. Padley

We certainly recognise our special relationship and, no doubt, the subject will be fully discussed at the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference. We are indebted to the interest shown by Pakistan and Ghana, as well as Japan, Thailand and the Philippines, in seeking to promote a cessation of Indonesia's aggressive attitude towards her neighbour, but in the end this matter depends upon Indonesia ceasing aggression.

Mr. Maudling

The Question referred to settling outstanding differences with Indonesia. Does the Minister regard this as an adequate description of an instance of naked and unprovoked aggression against a Commonwealth country?

Mr. Padley

As I indicated in one of my replies, we do regard this as unprovoked aggression.

Mr. Philip Noel-Baker

Will my hon. Friend recognise that there is real danger it the continuation of this undeclared war between Indonesia and Malaysia? Will he consider again with his right hon. Friend whether the United Nations cannot be used to bring this to an end?

Mr. Padley

We will certainly consider that. But of course the difficulty is that Indonesia has left the United Nations. The Malaysian Government are keeping the Security Council fully informed, most recently in a letter of 28th May, but I assure my right hon. Friend that we shall keep his view constantly under consideration.

Mr. Webster

Can the hon. Gentleman give the House any information about reports of gunfire between the Indonesian Navy and shore batteries over the weekend?

Mr. Padley

I think the hon. Gentleman had better put a Question on the Order Paper if he wants an answer to that.