QA.3 EXACTLY HOW MUCH MILITARY SUPPORT WILL BRITAIN GIVE TO THE
GOVERNMENTS OF MALAYSIA. SINGAPORE, AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND IN THE NEW ARRANGEMENT FOR SOUTH EAST ASIA IN PARTICULAR?
The forces Let me answer your specific question first. which we have agreed to contribute to the Five Power defence arrangements in Malaysia and Singapore were announced in the Supplementary Statement on Defence Policy which we published
on 28 October. They are:
5 frigates or destroyers on station East of Suez
(including Hong Kong)
A British battalion group, including an air platoon
and an artillery battery.
A detachment of Nimrod long range maritime reconnaissance aircraft. If asked how many, up to 47
A number of Whirlwind helicopters. If asked how many..
about 67
We are also considering the provision of a submarine. In addition to those permanently stationed forces it is our intention that there should be a considerable number of visits
by combat units of all three Services for jungle, air and
maritime training and exercises in the area.
Now let me say a word about the new Five Power defence arrangements. The forces which we at present have in Malaysia and Singapore are stationed there in accordance with the Anglo- Malaysian Defence Agreement. That Agreement, which was concluded in 1957 between Britain and the Federation of Malaya (as it then
Under was), is a bilateral agreement between our two countries.
it we have a very firm commitment to afford to the Government of Malaysia such assistance as it may require for the external
defence of its territory.
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