§ Sir R. Glynasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the circumstances under which a battery commander of the Berkshire Yeomanry, 310W now serving in Java, was killed in action in January; what instructions have been issued in regard to British Forces being allowed to use their weapons when on patrol; and whether commanders have received any special instructions as to the offensive methods that they are permitted to use.
§ Mr. LawsonThe battery commander of the Berkshire Yeomanry was killed in an ambush laid by Indonesian Forces. He was, at the time, proceeding on reconnaissance with the commander of an infantry battalion. The reconnaissance party, with one platoon as escort, was moving forward to the assistance of a company of the infantry battalion which was experiencing difficulty in clearing a road block held by Indonesians, who were armed with medium and light machine guns, heavy mortars and rifles. Instructions have been issued that full and normal use be made of battalion and artillery weapons by commanders at all levels against any Indonesians who oppose with force our troops in the execution of their legitimate tasks. The necessity for care in avoiding hurt to law-abiding citizens has always been stressed.