asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what action Her Majesty's Government has taken in respect of the dispute between the Governments of India and Portugal regarding the future of Goa.

Her Majesty's Government have, naturally, been in touch with the Governments of India and Portugal in this matter. There has, of course, been no question of Her Majesty's Government intervening in the merits of the case.The object of our representations to the Government of India in August was to let them know frankly, as between friends, our concern lest the much advertised activities of some unofficial movements in India should lead to violence and bloodshed. The Government of India responded with assurances that they were determined to pursue a peaceful and conciliatory approach.