§ 13. Mr. Moyleasked the Minister of State for Defence what assistance the United Kingdom Government are prepared to extend towards the establishment and maintenance of an International Peacekeeping Academy on the lines of the proposals sent to him by General Indar Rikhye.
§ Lord BalnielI have agreed to consider sending an expert to a disaster relief seminar which the International Peace Academy Committee plan to hold later this year.
§ Mr. MoyleDoes the hon. Gentleman agree that these proposals are an excellent way of disseminating the peacekeeping experience of international peace-keeping operations for the future? Will he undertake to give substantially more support to the project than just sending one person to a seminar?
§ Lord BalnielFew countries have more experience than we have in this type of 771 operation and our contribution of sending an expert has been warmly welcomed by those organising the seminar. It will serve a useful purpose.
§ Rear-Admiral Morgan-GilesDoes not my hon. Friend agree that this is an interesting idea which needs encouraging, both nationally and internationally? Will he look again at the problems facing the Royal United Services Institution?
§ Lord BalnielI shall be glad to look at anything my hon. and gallant Friend puts to me.
§ Mr. George ThomsonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that those who met General Rikhye when he was here recently were impressed by the seriousness of his proposals? This is not an exercise in Utopianism but a practical exercise to find more effective ways of international peace-keeping. Will he look seriously at giving more positive financial help to make the project a success?
§ Lord BalnielI, too, met General Rikhye and was impressed by his proposals, but as far as I know he is not seeking financial support from the United Kingdom Government.