HC Deb 12 June 1967 vol 748 cc90-2
43. Mr. Gardner

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will take the necessary steps to ensure the continuation of friendly relationships between Great Britain and the countries of South-East Asia, with a view in particular to the growth of mutual trade in a period during which the British military presence will be reduced.

Mr. William Rodgers

A reduction of our military strength in the Far East need not affect our friendly relations with the countries of South-East Asia and we shall certainly do all we can to develop our trading and other relationships to our mutual benefit.

Mr. Gardner

Will my hon. Friend accept that the withdrawal from Singapore as quickly as possible will be welcomed, at any rate by a good many hon. Members on this side of the House? But will he ensure that any additional assistance in developments taking place should be phased to fit in with that withdrawal so that we do not face another Malta situation?

Mr. Rodgers

That raises a more specific question than is dealt with in the original question, but we certainly have very much in mind the point made by my hon. Friend.

44. Mr. Gardner

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he has in mind for encouraging the establishment of regional organisations for economic and social co-operation in South-East Asia, and, in particular, as regards those countries which have a close association with Great Britain.

Mr. William Rodgers

Her Majesty's Government warmly welcome the interest now being shown by the countries of South-East Asia in the possibilities for regional co-operation. But we believe that the form of this co-operation, and the establishment of new organisations to promote it, are matters which the Asian peoples must decide for themselves.

Mr. Gardner

While I accept my hon. Friend's point, does he not think that the time has come for a new United Nations initiative in this kind of organisations' development, and will he seek to initiate discussions with other United Nations members on it?

Mr. Rodgers

I quite agree that the interests of the United Nations must be maintained and, in so far as we can take a useful initiative here, we shall look into it, but the fact still remains that the countries of South-East Asia, with all their problems and ancient rivalries, must find ways of coming together in a way which is mutually acceptable.