S.E.A.T.O. AID FOR INDIA

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29070, 5 December 1959, Page 14

S.E.A.T.O. AID FOR INDIA

Possible Move If China Attacks

(New Zealand Preus Association) AUCKLAND. December 4.

If India is attacked by Communist China, the Commander-in-Chief of the French Forces in the Pacific (Rear-Admiral J. C. Evenou) thinks South-east Asia Treaty Organisation forces in the Pacific would go to her aid. “The basic decision would be one for the political leaders of the nations concerned, of course, but it is fairly obvious that we are committed to help India should an emergency arise.” he said today. He said that in an emergency S.E.A.TO. forces would function smoothly and would integrate quickly. The Allied fleet had worked together admirably for a month during the recent exercises, and the liaison and effect of the S.E.A.T.O. fleet compared more than favourably with North Atlantic Treaty Organisation exercises in which he had taken part during the previous five years, he said. Admiral Evenou said that he had arranged for two French ships in the Pacific to make a courtesy visit to New Zealand some time next year. They are the destroyer Cassard, and the frigate Le Bernais. Both are equipped .with the latest antisubmarine equipment.

Admiral Evenou and his staff left Auckland today for Hamilton.