§ 23. Rear-Admiral Morgan Gilesasked the Secretary of State for Defence what official reports he has received concerning the presence of Soviet naval units in the Indian Ocean since 1st January, 1968.
§ Mr. FoleySoviet warships are known to have been present in the Indian Ocean over the past three months. They have visited various ports in the area. The hon. and gallant Member will not expect me to reveal sources of information.
§ Rear-Admiral Morgan GilesWill this new interest of the Soviet Union in the Indian Ocean have any effect on the Government's east of Suez policy, or will it be completely disregarded?
§ Mr. FoleyClearly one cannot disregard the situation, but we must recognise that the Soviet Union, like any other maritime nation, enjoys the freedom of the high seas. This will not interfere with the proposed dates for withdrawal from the Far East and the Gulf.