§ 26. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's part in the negotiations to end the Indo-Pakistan war; and what plans he has to take a Commonwealth initiative aimed at restoring good relations on the Indian sub-continent.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesHer Majesty's Government gave the fullest support throughout the period of fighting between India and Pakistan to the efforts of the United Nations Secretary-General himself an] to the calls the Security Council issued to both sides to cease fighting. We were very glad when these efforts and the efforts made by many other countries in support of the United Nations' demands for a cease-fire expressed in the Security Council Resolutions of 4th, 6th and 20th September resulted in a ceasefire on the morning of 23rd September. This was an act of wise statesmanship by the Governments of India and Pakistan to which I should like to take this opportunity to pay tribute.
Her Majesty's Government will continue to do their best to contribute to a restoration of good relations between India and Pakistan. We hope that the Security Council will shortly he successful in arranging a withdrawal of the armed personnel of both countries. The Security Council has also agreed to consider "the political problem underlying the present conflict". In view of the discussions proceeding in New York, it seems best to defer for the present consideration of a Commonwealth initiative.