§ 13. Mr. Mayhewasked the Secretary of State for Defence what consultations he has had with the United States Government regarding the fulfilment of Great Britain's defence commitments in Asia in the 1970s.
§ Mr. HealeyNone on this specific question. We do, however, keep in touch with the United States and our other allies generally about future defence policy.
§ Mr. MayhewIn his previous answer, my right hon. Friend acknowledged that we cannot carry out these commitments, except in association with the Americans. What has been done to get joint intelligence, joint contingency planning and so on, and at what level is this taking place, or is nothing being done at all?
§ Mr. HealeyWith great respect, my hon. Friend should remember that we already have an arrangement, and have had for a long time, to interchange intelligence with the United States on many 411 parts of the world. Equally he must be aware, because we have proved this capacity, that there are many situations outside Europe where it is possible for us to play an invaluable rôle in protecting the peace and stability not in co-operation with the Americans. We have just concluded successfully, in co-operation with our Commonwealth allies, a three-year campaign of this nature in Malaysia.
§ Mr. OnslowArising out of the Minister's consultations with the United States Government, does the right hon. Gentleman think that there is likely to be a significant increase in the British involvement in Thailand?
§ Mr. HealeyNo, Sir.