§ Q6. Mr. Sandysasked the Prime Minister if he will state the number of British Service men who were killed, wounded or disabled while engaged on duties connected with the defence of Malaysia against Indonesia, the approximate expenditure incurred by Great Britain in these operations, and the amount of military and economic aid provided to Malaysia since its formation.
§ The Prime Minister64, 89, an extra cost of £5 million a year, £22½ million and £12,700,000, Sir.
§ Mr. SandysIn view of the very heavy sacrifice which Britain has made to help Malaysia defend herself against Indonesia is it not very sad that at this moment, when confrontation is coming to an end, we should receive nothing but reproaches and criticism from Kuala Lumpur? Can the Prime Minister say what has happened to bring about such a serious and unfortunate deterioration in our relations with Malaysia?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is a little unfortunate, in view of the actions of successive Governments in this country in honouring our commitments to Malaysia on such a scale. Difficulties began to arise last August, when 1589 Singapore was pushed out of the Malaysian Federation without consultation with us, or prior information being given to us, and I think that once this situation arises there is always a suspicion on the part of one party that we are leaning over in support of the other party. That is part of the difficulty. Also there is the feeling of the Malaysian Government that we should be giving them much more defence aid. But we have to cut our coat here very much in accordance with the financial resources that we have available.