§ Mrs. Dunwoodyasked the Lord Privy Sea if he will make a statement about the situation in Vanuatu, his talks with the French Government and the date of the withdrawal of British troops.
§ Mr. BlakerThe build-up of the presence of the Vanuatu Government in Luganville, which was the main purpose of our joint military operation with the French, is now proceeding, though it has progressed less rapidly than we had hoped. The situation in the town remains tense but calm. We and the French have both acceded to Father Lini's request that our troops should remain for three weeks after independence. I shall be having further talks with the French Government on 12 August.