§ 19. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what communications he has had with the Malaysian Government about the offer of President Ayub of Pakistan to mediate with a view to halting the Indonesian aggression against Malaysia; and if he will make a statement on the outcome.
§ Mr. BottomleyNone, Sir. I understand, however, that the Malaysian 1379 Deputy Prime Minister recently had talks with the President of Pakistan and that Tun Razak reaffirmed that the Malaysian Government would welcome the good officers of President Ayub Khan in the sense indicated in the hon. Member's Question.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that that reply will give some satisfaction? Would not he agree that the Pakistan Government, as a Moslem Government, may have a specially valuable part to play in this matter?
§ Mr. BottomleyYes, Sir. There are other countries which have offered their help, and we are very grateful that this should be so.
§ Mr. SnowWas one of those other countries Japan? If not, can approaches be made to that country, since it has great interests which are our interests as well to obtain pacification in this part of the world?
§ Mr. BottomleyThe other countries concerned are Japan. Thailand and Ghana.
§ Mr. SandysIn view of the important military assistance we are giving to Malaysia, may I take it that the Malaysian Government are closely consulting Her Majesty's Government on political development?
§ Mr. BottomleyYes. The consultations which normally take place between Commonwealth Governments continue in this instance.