EAST OF SUEZ

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31763, 21 August 1968, Page 13

EAST OF SUEZ

Heath’s Plans

(N.Z. Press Assn. —Copyright) SYDNEY, August 20.

The British Opposition Leader, Mr Edward Heath, said in Sydney today a "deterrent force” would be stationed east of Suez when a Conservative Government came to power.

Ending a 13-day tour of the Australian continent, he told reporters that Mr Wilson’s intention to increase forces in Europe and the Mediterranean after the phased South-east Asia withdrawal “gives rise to the question of credibility.” “British forces in Europe will be no deterrent in this part of the world should the situation l arise,” he declared. At a press conference before his departure for the United States, Mr Heath reiterated his party’s plans for a five-power lease on Singapore’s giant naval base. But he said there was “no question” which of the five— Britain, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand —should play the dominant role. “I have never considered the question of a dominant role,” he said. “Each country should play an equal role.”