asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what arrangements exist to provide for close co-operation between the British and French Governments in dealing with the states of emergency in Malaya and Indo-China.

Close liaison exists between the British and French staffs in South-East Asia, and the staff discussions held recently at Singapore and Saigon have enabled a considerable amount of information to be exchanged. Since no British Forces are employed in Indo-China or French forces in Malaya, there is no question of any special arrangements for joint operations.

In view of the grave danger that exists in this part of South-East Asia, will the hon. Gentleman see about increasing the number of liaison officers between the two countries so as to ensure the fullest information is available to both?

I will take note of that.