hostilities in the sub-continent, the situation at the United Nations and the attitudes of the alternative suppliers. As far as Pakistan is concerned, we have not been a regular supplier of arms for Pakistan for some years. Therefore, there are no similar contracts. The same supervision would be given to any orders from Pakistan which may be placed here.
Efforts for Cease-fire
The House will be aware that there have been a number of efforts to bring about a cease-fire as a prelude to a political settlement. All resolutions in the Security Council however were vetoed; and a resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire and the withdrawal of the forces of both India and Pakistan to their own territories, which was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on December 7, has proved ineffective.
For their part, Her Majesty's Government believe that it is necessary to seek practical means of bringing the fighting to an end which take account of the realities of the situation and the attitudes of the parties. We are, therefore, in touch with other members of the Security Council to see how we can best assist in bringing about the earliest possible end to the fighting and the institution of constructive discussions.
