§ LORD BROCKWAYMy 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 what assurances have been given to the Iranian officials of CENTO that British support for the military alliance will be maintained.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE (LORD CARRINGTON)My Lords, all members of CENTO are well aware that Britain is continuing with her contribution to all the military activities of the Alliance.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for that Answer, may I ask him this question? Has not the validity of CENTO decreased, first by the earlier departure of Iraq, which was its headquarters, and now by its denunciation by President Bhutto of Pakistan? Is it not now serving as a cause of doubt in the Middle East and in the Indian subcontinent, rather than as one of stability?
§ LORD CARRINGTONNo, my Lords; I would not agree with the noble Lord. I think CENTO continues to contribute to the security and stability of the area and I believe that its members would agree with that.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, would it not be possible to replace it by bilateral agreements with countries for the defence of their frontiers? Would they not be preferable to the military Alliance? Furthermore, could the noble Lord say whether the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs is going to Pakistan to discuss these matters with the President?
§ LORD CARRINGTONMy Lords, of course it would be possible to do that, but whether it would be desirable is another matter. As to whether my right honourable friend is going to Pakistan, perhaps the noble Lord would put down a Question. I am afraid that, off-hand, I do not know what his movements are.