§ 24. Dame Joan Vickersasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will invite the Foreign Secretary of the Republic of Indonesia to Great Britain to discuss the future relationship between Great Britain and Indonesia, in order to try to get a settlement in regard to the confrontation between Malaysia and Indonesia in which Her Majesty's forces are at present engaged.
§ The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Michael Stewart)We certainly wish to improve our relations with Indonesia, and we are in touch with the Indonesian Government to that end, as well as with the Governments of Malaysia and Singapore, for whom confrontation is a matter of the closest concern. I shall certainly bear the hon. Lady's suggestion in mind.
§ Dame Joan VickersI am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, because it seems very necessary for Great Britain to take steps at present, Indonesia not being a member of the United Nations, and in view of the worsening of relations between Malaysia and the State of Singapore, it is very urgent that some action should be taken by Her Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. StewartThe hon. Lady will realise that we must act here with a proper consideration for the rights and interests of the Governments of Malaysia and Singapore.
§ Mr. Philip Noel-BakerWhile thanking my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary for his reply, may I ask him to bear in mind that the hon. Lady's proposal would have very wide support?
§ Mr. StewartYes, I will note that.