§ 68. Major Beamishasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in the light of the Peace Treaty signed with the Siamese Government on 1st January, 1946, especially paragraph (c) concerning postwar strategic co-operation, what consideration has been given to helping the Thai Government to train and equip its armed forces on modern lines in order to enable the Thai people to maintain their independence; what progress has so far been made in this direction; and if he will take urgent steps in this matter in consultation with other interested countries, especially Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States of America, France and the Netherlands.
§ Mr. BevinSince the signature of the Agreement referred to by the hon. and gallant Member, considerable progress has been made in the training and equipment of the Siamese armed forces. Siamese officers have been trained in this country and His Majesty's Government have supplied Siam with three corvettes as well as aircraft, vehicles and small arms. We have throughout been in close touch with the United States—who have contributed generously to equipping the Siamese defence forces—and the hon. and gallant Member may rest assured that the situation is under constant review in consultation with the other interested countries.