§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will now make a statement on the future of the Central Treaty Organisation.
§ Mr. JuddFollowing the withdrawal of Iran, Pakistan and Turkey from CENTO, Her Majesty's Government are reviewing the situation. Clearly CENTO is not effectively in operation. We believe it is for the regional members of the Alliance to decide how best to safeguard their security interests. The British Government676W warmly reciprocate the wish expressed by the regional members to see friendly relations continue between us. Their interest in continuing to co-operate with each other in a regional context has our full backing.