§ 11. Mr. Luardasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he has taken towards the establishment of a new defence organisation linking the nations of South-East Asia.
§ Mr. William RodgersNone, Sir, because the driving force and ultimate responsibility for such co-operation must 1521 come from the people of South-East Asia themselves.
§ Mr. LuardSince S.E.A.T.O. has now become virtually a defunct organisation, at .d given the fact that it seems likely that Her Majesty's Government are about to make a statement concerning our own responsibilities in this part of the world, has not this now become an urgent matter? Since we have had a traditional responsibility in this part of the world, could we not play a positive role in encouraging the nations of this area to get together and establish an effective defence organisation of the indigenous peoples of the regions?
§ Mr. RodgersI do not think that there is a great deal between my hon. Friend and the Government on this, except that we would not accept his remarks about S.E.A.T.O., which we believe continues to serve the purpose for which it was originally established. The important thing is lo encourage the countries of the area to move in their own way, at their own speed, to provide for their collective security. It is possible that if we, or any other outside country, press too hard, it will be counter-productive.
§ Lord BalnielIf there is to be a substantial diminution in the British role in the Far East, surely there is an obligation, a rather urgent obligation upon us, to take some positive step to encourage the countries to reach defence arrangements on their own?
§ Mr. RodgersAs I say, it depends very much on the speed at which the countries want to move. All that I would add is that having been very lately in that part of the world I am sure that it is right that we are encouraging countries to make their own arrangements if they can, but that we should not push them into arrangements that they prefer not to have in anticipation of the stage where they can co-operate together effectively.
§ Mr. RankinWould it be wise to consider any new steps or any amended steps in this particular part of Asia without consulting China?
§ Mr. RodgersAs I have said that we do not intend to take any special initiative, I do not think that that supplementary question arises.
§ Mr. RidsdaleAm I to understand that any defence cuts likely to be made are not likely to affect our obligations under S.E.A.T.O.?
§ Mr. RodgersI have nothing to add to the statement already made by the Secretary of State for Defence.