NUCLEAR WEAPONS AND UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES IN SINGAPORE (Facilities)

Mr J. B. Jeyaretnam asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence (a) whether any nuclear weapons are stored in Singapore; (b) what facilities have been granted to the United States Armed Forces in Singapore; and (c) what are the terms of the agreement between Singapore and the United States for the use of these facilities.

The Minister of State for Defence (Mr David T. E. Lim) (for the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence): Sir, there are no nuclear weapons stored in Singapore.

Under the 1990 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), US forces are allowed access to facilities at Paya Lebar Airbase and Sembawang Wharves, as well as a small office space at Clifford Pier. In 1998, we signed an addendum to the 1990 MOU which allows US Deep Draft Vessels, such as aircraft carriers, to berth at Changi Naval Base. The following principles are enshrined in the

1990 MOU. The US recognises and respects the sovereignty of Singapore, the laws of Singapore including our Constitution, and accepts that our judicial process must not be impaired.

The US forces pay for housing and supplies and services which they request. The MOU also states clearly that the SAF has priority for the use of the facilities.

Mr Jeyaretnam: Sir, will the Ministry make public the MOU or whatever agreements it has with the United States government?

Mr David Lim: Mr Speaker, Sir, I think the salient facts of that MOU have already been made public.

Mr Jeyaretnam: Mr Speaker, Sir, may I have an answer to the question? Is the Ministry prepared to make it public? Why can the public not know exactly and read for themselves what is the agreement between the Singapore Government and the United States government?

Mr David Lim: Mr Speaker, Sir, as I have said, the salient facts of the agreement have already been made public. I do not know what Mr Jeyaretnam is pressing for.

Mr Jeyaretnam: Sir, we have been told that they respect the sovereignty and the judicial process in this country. May I know the answer to a specific question? Are US personnel stationed in Singapore subject, for any conduct of theirs, criminal or civil, to the civil and criminal courts in Singapore?

Mr David Lim: Sir, if I understand Mr J. B. Jeyaretnam correctly, he is asking whether our personnel in the US are subject to the laws in Singapore.

Mr Jeyaretnam: Subject to the jurisdiction of the Singapore courts.

Mr David Lim: Sir, this depends on whether our personnel who are stationed overseas are conducting military exercises.

Mr Jeyaretnam: I am asking about US personnel in Singapore.

Mr David Lim: Are they subject to our laws?

Mr Jeyaretnam: Are they to be prosecuted in the Singapore courts?

Mr David Lim: If they break our laws, yes. If the US personnel in Singapore break Singapore laws, then they are subject to our laws and they may be prosecuted if the Attorney-General decides that there is a case.

Mr Simon S. C. Tay (Nominated Member): May I just ask the Minister of State to clarify that he is assuring us that the MOU with America is in accordance with Singapore's obligations under the Southeast Asian Nuclear Weapon Free Zone Treaty?

Mr David Lim: Sir, the presence of US Armed Forces in this region contributes to the stability and security of the region. I think this is something that is welcomed not just by Singapore but also by the other Southeast Asian countries.