HC Deb 13 December 1967 vol 756 cc137-8W
76. Sir G. Sinclair

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the future of the British element of the Commonwealth Brigade in Malaysia; and whether he will consult with Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand in order to form a Commonwealth defence structure in South-East Asia pending the formation of a viable defence organisation in the area.

Mr. Mason:

We shall in due course be withdrawing the British elements from the Commonwealth Brigade. Consultations are in progress with Australia and New Zealand as to how the effects of this withdrawal on their forces in the Brigade might be mitigated.

We shall of course keep in close touch with our Commonwealth partners about the defence arrangements in the area.

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