§ 8 and 9. Sir J. Smythasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (1) what instructions have been given to the United Kingdom representatives in the United Nations with regard to debates on the future of Kashmir; and if he will make a statement; and
§ (2) what steps he has taken in furtherance of Her Majesty's Government's efforts to help in the settlement of the Kashmir dispute.
§ Mr. BottomleyI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my speech in this House on 22nd December, 1965.
§ Sir J. SmythDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that since I put this Question down Russian leadership at Tashkent has greatly reduced the tension between India and Pakistan? Will not the right hon. Gentleman now exert initiative through British leadership in trying to solve the problem of Kashmir?
§ Mr. BottomleyThrough British initiative we are most anxious that the parties concerned should get together—through the initiative of the previous Government and the present Government, for this is not a party matter. In these respects we shall, therefore, continue to play a part in the Commonwealth and the United Nations, which is the only way to get the two parties together to settle their differences.