§ LORD MERRIVALETo ask Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, in view of President Tsiranana's statements in Paris on 18th December regarding the defence of the Western World and his country's need of a Navy and Air Force (in addition to its Army), they would consult with Member Countries of a Collective Security Alliance (i.e., N.A.T.O.) or enter into negotiations with the Malagasy Government to ascertain exact requirements, terms and conditions under which vessels or aircraft might be supplied in order to consider (a) the advisability and suitability of supplying equipment from this country, or (b) assisting in the build-up of such Forces.
§ THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (THE EARL OF DUNDEE)The attention of Her Majesty's Government has now been drawn by the Madagascar Government to President Tsiranana's statement in Paris on December 18.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation does not furnish collective military aid to countries which are not members 486WA of the alliance. For their part Her Majesty's Government would not feel able to enter into bilateral commitments to the Madagascan Government in view of their extensive existing commitments in this field to other countries, in the Commonwealth and elsewhere.