Lee warns U.K. on withdrawal

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32846, 21 February 1972, Page 13

Lee warns U.K. on withdrawal

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright)

SINGAPORE, February 20.

The Prime Minister of Singapore (Mr Lee Kuan Yew) yesterday warned Britain against abandoning Asia in the belief that “a comfortable future was in cosy Europe,” reported Agence France-Presse.

Mr Lee was proposing a toast to Queen Elizabeth at a private dinner given by him.

He said that disappointment might be in store for those who believed in a purely European formula, and added: “I must hope that a stronger Europe, with Britain a member, will play a more active role in widening the areas of economic interests of Europe to Asia.” The dinner, in the penthouse of a Government building of 20 storeys overlooking the harbour, was preceded by a night tour of the city. Earlier, in the afternoon, the Queen toured the harbour in a launch, and later attended a garden partygiven by President Sheares. The garden party, which was to be held on the spacious lawns of the Presidential palace, had to be held inside because of heavy rain. In her reply, the Queen spoke of the growth of Singapore in the last few years and praised Mr Lee for his role in this. PRAISE BY DUKE Addressing the Singapore Manufacturers’ Association on Friday, the Duke of Edinburgh described Singapore as a microcosm of the world.

“It is just because I am so full of admiration for what has been achieved here that I would like to see Singapore show the world how this success can be consolidated and made the basis of an enlightened and continuing human civilisation.”

He said that Singapore had demonstrated that it was

possible to regulate population growth voluntarily before built-in factors of selfdestruction took effect.

After a reception aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia tonight, the Royal Party will sail for Malaysia on the third part of the tour of SouthEast Asia and the Indian Ocean.