Warning About British Policy

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31081, 9 June 1966, Page 17

Warning About British Policy

(N.Z. Press Association —Copyright)

LONDON, June 8.

If Britain withdrew its defences from east of Suez, the map of the Commonwealth could be rolled up—“it will not be needed again ” a senior Australian official in London said today, according to the “Evening Standard.”

The paper said that amid the growing storm over the Labour Party’s back-bench revolt on defence, the Australian Deputy-Prime Minister, Mr John McEwen, had arrived in London last night ostensibly on a trade mission.

But Mr McEwen was certain to discuss a wide range of political subjects with British Cabinet Ministers, probably including the British Prime Minister, Mr Harold Wilson.

“The Impression that the Australians are concerned about certain aspects of Anglo-Australian relations is reinforced by the fact that, another Australian Cabinet Minister, Mr David Fairbairn, Minister of National Development, will arrive in Britain on Friday. “Also the Prime Minister, Mr Harold Holt, is due in London on July 6.” Seriously Worried

It was known that the Australian Government was seriously worried about backbench pressures on the British Government to make a complete withdrawal east of Suez.

“While recognising that an ending to the confrontation in Malaysia must mean some reduction in British forces in the area, Australians want a

strong military presence east of Suez, especially in Singapore.

“Mr Holt and his colleagues will do their best to stiffen the British Government’s resolve to remain a world power, sharing in the military responsibilities east of Suez.”