§ 13. Mr. IllsleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has made any representations to the military Government in Thailand; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydWe deeply regret the replacement by military rule of Thailand's democratically elected Government. We will make clear to the National Peace Keeping Council and to the interim civilian Government our desire to see the early lifting of martial law, the release of all detainees, and the speedy restoration of democracy.
§ Mr. IllsleyI am grateful for that reply. Will the Government ensure that they make early representations to secure an early return to democracy within Thailand? Will the Minister urge the intervening Government to distance themselves from the Pol Pot regime and Khmer Rouge?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydWe greatly regret the displacement of democracy and regret that the Military Council has not confirmed its initial commitment to restore democracy within six months.
§ Mr. BowisDoes my hon. Friend agree that one of the great causes for regret at the fact that the regime has taken over is that it appears to be very close to Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge people who are living in comfort inside Thailand? Will he persuade the Government and people of Thailand to hand this man to justice, because Pol Pot and his regime committed crimes under the genocide convention every bit as bad as the war crimes of Saddam Hussein?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydWe have repeatedly called for an end to all arms supplies and all support to all the Cambodian parties of that kind, but we are assured by the Foreign Ministry in Thailand that it continues to support the comprehensive settlement proposals for Cambodia.