UNITED STATES SEVENTH FLEET (Presence of Units in Singapore)

Mr Lim Cher Kheng asked the Chief Secretary what was the purpose of the presence of units of the United States Seventh Fleet in Singapore in August this year.

Mr E. B. David: Sir, these ships put into Singapore for rest and recreation and were accorded the facilities normally given to friendly visiting warships.

Mr Wong Foo Nam: Can the Chief Secretary inform this House whether he has any idea of the amount of money spent by the American marines during this recreational visit?

Mr David: Sir, it is estimated that these ships and their personnel during their visit spent something in the neighbourhood of $650,000 in Singapore.

Mr Lim Cher Kheng: Can the Hon. the Chief Secretary inform this House whether the presence of the United States Seventh Fleet in Singapore may have caused alarm to our neighbouring countries?

Mr David: Sir, I do not think the hon. Member can expect me to answer for neighbouring countries but as far as the purpose of these ships visiting Singapore is concerned, I would refer him to the statement made by the President of the United States on 20th August in which he said that they were purely here for rest and recreation and that was all there was to it.