Macmillan Faces Criticism

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29728, 23 January 1962, Page 13

Macmillan Faces Criticism

(N.Z. Press Association— Copyright)

LONDON, January 22

The British Prime Miniser (Mr Macmillan) faces criticism from both Government and Opposition members of Parliament over the delivery of British aircraft to Indonesia, the “Daily Express” reported.

The last two of a batch of 18 Gannet anti-submarine planes were on their way to Indonesia, the report said. News of the delivery angered back benchers last night. Questions to Mr Macmillan were to be put down in the House of Commons tomorrow. There might be behind-the-scenes protests from Holland, which has been expecting an Indonesian attack on Dutch New Guinea, the report said Police Patrols The 18 Gannets were ordered by President Soekarno three years ago—for police and anti-smuggling patrols. At the time, the report said, an undertaking was given that Indonesia had no aggressive intentions against West New Guinea. The report said members from both parties were in-

f dignant that deliveries had ! not been frozen because of > the present tension. The British United Press ! reported from The Hague that Holland had told a number 1 of her N.A.T.O. partners that : arms produced by N.A.T.O • countries and sold to Indo- • nesia had been used by Presi- • dent Soekarno to attempt a 1 small-scale invasion of West 1 New Guinea last Monday. . Officials at The Hague said that Holland had, during the s last 10 years, formally pro- - tested against arms deliveries r to Indonesia by N.A.T.O ; countries. In Canberra today, the t Minister for Defence (Mr A J G Townley) said that Indo- > nesia had approached the t Australian Government in recent years, seeking aircraft s and light arms, but the Gov- - eminent had made no sales.