HC Deb 27 June 1966 vol 730 cc1235-6
57. Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state his policy on the South-East Asia Treaty Organisation.

Mrs. White

Our policy continues to be to support the South-East Asia Treaty Organisation. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary will be making this known at the Ministerial Meeting of the organisation which opened today in Canberra.

Mr. Griffiths

While I appreciate that the Secretary of State is at present at the S.E.A.T.O. meeting, may I ask whether his hon. Friend can make clear, first, whether the right hon. Gentleman is negotiating for British troops to be sent to Thailand, and secondly, in view of the Prime Minister's statement about massive reductions in British forces in the Far East, whether she is sure that Britain can maintain her obligations to S.E.A.T.O.?

Mrs. White

The hon. Member would be well advised to await the return of my right hon. Friend. The hon. Member has, I think, a Question down for 11th July in any case.

Mr. Sandys

Are we to understand from what we have read of the Foreign Secretary's speech that talks are going on with a view to establishing a British base in Australia?

Mrs. White

Any question of that kind would be better directed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence.

Lord Balniel

As we are shortly to withdraw from Aden, as the carrier building programme is now being cancelled and as we are now informed by the Government that they are planning a massive reduction in troops, is not doubt cast upon the credibility of our implementing our S.E.A.T.O. undertakings?

Mrs. White

I do not think that there is any question of casting doubt upon our ability to implement our undertakings. These discussions are taking place with our allies. I have no doubt that my right. hon. Friend will give a very good account of Her Majesty's Government's policy.