HC Deb 17 February 1969 vol 778 cc31-2
26. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received from the United States Government about the supply to Malaysia of advanced supersonic aircraft and military equipment.

Mr. M. Stewart

I have received no formal representations, but there have been informal, confidential discussions with the United States officials about regional security matters in view of our common interests in the stability of the South-East Asian area.

Mr. Dalyell

Do I take it that my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary desires these negotiations to be kept confidential?

Mr. Stewart

Yes.

Sir A. V. Harvey

When he arrives will the Government make it clear to Mr. Nixon that if Britain proposes to supply British aircraft to Malaysia it is Britain's business and not America's?

Mr. Stewart

I will repeat what I said, namely, that the United States and our selves have a common interest in the stability of South-East Asia.

Mr. Braine

Is it not unfortunate that this row over aircraft should be taking place before the five-Power conference, which was scheduled to take place in May? Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the British spokesman in Kuala Lumpur last Thursday was correct in his statement that this five-Power conference was being delayed? If so, what are the reasons?

Mr. Stewart

That takes the question a little wider, but the five-Power talks will go on. The agenda has not yet been drawn up. As to the supply of aircraft, we have made proposals which are designed to meet Malaysia's requirements for effective air defence.