§ 4.9 p.m.
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYMy Lords, I beg to ask His Majesty's Government the second Question of which I have given them private notice—namely, whether they have any statement to make with reference to President Truman's announcement about defence arrangements in the Pacific.
§ THE LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL (VISCOUNT ADDISON)My Lords, the House will have seen the statement made by President Truman yesterday regarding the arrangement proposed between the Governments of the United States of America, Australia and New Zealand to strengthen the security of these countries in the Pacific area. His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom, who have throughout been in the closest consultation with the Governments of Australia and New Zealand, warmly welcome this development. They consider that such an arrangement will be a most valuable contribution to the security of the Commonwealth and to the safeguarding of the vital interests of the democratic countries in the whole Pacific area. The United Kingdom Government regard the arrangement as complementary to the understandings of mutual support and co-operation between our own country, Australia and New Zealand. We are confident that it will serve to strengthen still further the close and special relationship which exists between our three countries.
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYMy Lords, I should like to thank the noble Viscount the Leader of the House for the statement which he has made. Noble Lords in all parts of the House, I have no doubt, welcome any steps which may tend to strengthen the pattern of the defence of the free world in the Pacific area, but I should like to ask His Majesty's Government why the United Kingdom are not a party to these arrangements. I think it will be generally agreed 407 that we are as closely associated with the Pacific as are the United States, and almost as closely as are Australia and New Zealand, both on account of our direct national interest in the Far East and on account of our close family relationship with Australia and New Zealand, with whom we should, of course, immediately make common cause if they were involved in war. If they have not already done so, I hope the Government will make immediate representations in Washington to ensure that we are directly included in the arrangements which are in contemplation.
§ VISCOUNT ADDISONMy Lords, the noble Marquess may be assured that these arrangements do not in any way minimise our understandings or obligations with regard to the Commonwealth, and particularly with regard to Australia and New Zealand. They are, as I said in my original answer, complementary to the arrangements for mutual support and co-operation between our countries. I welcome the inquiries of the noble Marquess, and will certainly bring them to the attention of my right honourable friends.