HC Deb 01 March 1965 vol 707 c161W
12. Mr. Gower

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what new initiative he contemplates in the United Nations regarding the Indonesian aggression against Malaysia; and if he will make a statement.

75. Mr. Philip Noel-Baker

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will propose to the Security Council, in the light of British commitments in the area, that United Nations observers should be sent to Malaysia to report on acts of armed aggression against Malaysian territory by the nationals of any foreign power.

Mr. M. Stewart

It is primarily for the Malaysian Government to decide when and in what way this question should again be brought before the United Nations. Her Majesty's Government do not themselves contemplate any initiative at this stage.

As my right hon. Friend the Member for Derby, South (Mr. Philip Noel-Baker) was told by my hon. Friend on 14th December, the question of seeking the help of United Nations Observers is one which we have discussed with our friends and allies. The difficulty of policing a thousand-mile frontier, and a long sea coast, would be formidable anywhere; in the mountainous jungle areas of Eastern Malaysia it would be almost insuperable.