§ Q6. Mr. F. Noel-Baker asked the Prime Minister what conversations he has had with the Prime Minister of Australia concerning the stationing of United Kingdom Forces in the Far East; and with what result.
§ The Prime MinisterI had conversations on this subject with Mr. Holt on 13th and 15th June. As to Forces in the Far East, I would refer my hon. Friend to the White Paper on Defence published on 18th July and to the 323 Answers I gave to Questions on 20th July.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerWould not my right hon. Friend agree that in modem conditions it is as unreasonable to expect the United Kingdom to make any meaningful contribution to the defence of Powers in Asia like Australia as it would be to expect them to keep troops in Europe for our defence?
§ The Prime MinisterIn modern conditions, it would be, unreasonable to do anything except what we are doing in the White Paper. I stand by the terms of the White Paper.
§ Mr. FarrIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the recent cuts in our commitments east of Suez have been greeted with a great deal of dismay and dissatisfaction by people in Australia?
§ The Prime MinisterI am well aware of the views both of the Australian Prime Minister and his colleagues and of public opinion in Australia on this matter. They recognise that at the end of the day it was a decision which had to be taken by Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom. I gather that there will be an opportunity later this week to discuss this matter more fully than we can at Question Time.