§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has had discussions with representatives of ASEAN on the proposals for the Cambodian coalition to be recognised as the legitimate representatives of that country; if, in conjunction with the United Kingdom's EEC partners, he will seek to align policy with ASEAN on this issue; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RifkindSince April 1980 it has been our policy to recognise States rather than Governments. The question of recognition does not, therefore, as such arise. We shall be discussing the question of Cambodian representation at the United Nations with our European Community partners and the ASEAN countries as the next session of the United Nations General Assembly approaches. We believe that the recently formed Cambodian coalition should contribute towards the political solution of the Cambodian question which we all desire.