§ 3.10 p.m.
§ LORD OGMOREMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will make a statement on the United States proposal to sell to Indonesia an advanced electronics communications system, what assistance this system is likely to provide to the Indonesian campaign against Malaysia and what representations they are making to the United States Government on this matter.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (LORD WALSTON)My Lords, I presume that the proposal to which the noble Lord refers is the possibility which has been reported in the Press that certain radio communications equipment may be sold to the Indonesian Army by an American commercial company. The United States Government have kept us informed, and as I understand their official position in this matter, it is restricted to the question of approving or withholding an export licence. Under the American Military Aid programme to Indonesia, which was terminated when the Indonesians embarked on their current policy of aggressive hostility towards Malaysia, twelve radio communications ground stations were to be equipped for the Indonesian Army. At the time of termination three of these ground stations had been completed, but the radio equipment itself had not been installed. What is now under consideration by the American Government is whether an export licence should be granted to an American firm which wishes to sell to the Indonesians radio equipment for installation in the three completed ground stations. Although it is unlikely that this equipment can directly help the Indonesians to prosecute their so called "confrontation" activities any more successfully than hitherto, it will improve to 1432 some extent the communications between three of the Indonesian Army's headquarters. Naturally while confrontation lasts Her Majesty's Government are opposed to anything which may improve the capabilities of the Indonesian Army. The United States Government have been made aware of this.
§ LORD OGMOREMy Lords, I am grateful to the noble Lord for this statement, which shows that Her Majesty's Government are well aware of the situation and taking a firm line. May I ask the noble Lord whether he will make quite sure that the Malaysian Government are aware that their attitude in this matter has this Government's firm support? Also, may I ask the noble Lord whether his attention has been drawn to some criticisms by Malaysian Ministers of the attitude of the West in this particular matter?
§ LORD WALSTONMy Lords, the Malaysian Government itself has made quite clear to the United States Government its own feelings in this matter. We, both as a fellow member of the Commonwealth and as an ally of Malaysia, have approached the United States, which is a fellow member of NATO, and in that capacity we have expressed our views strongly and clearly to the United States Government.
§ LORD CARRINGTONMy Lords, may I ask the noble Lord whether he has any idea when this matter will be decided? This is a matter of great importance. Anything which makes the Indonesian Republic more capable of waging war is something which we should greatly deplore. I hope very much that the Government have told the United States Government in no uncertain terms what we would feel about this. Can the noble Lord say when he is likely to know the result of his conversations with the United States Government and whether it will be before Parliament rises, because this is a matter of great importance?
§ LORD WALSTONMy Lords, I think it may well be that a final decision will be taken before Parliament rises, and if the noble Lord wishes I will undoubtedly let the House know as soon as we hear from the United States.