68. Earl WINTERTONasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if a reply has now been sent to the proposals of the Government of Southern Rhodesia for a conference on the subject of the amalgamation of the two Rhodesias?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)As stated by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, in reply to a question on the 11th February, no final reply has yet been sent to the Government of Southern Rhodesia. The questions of policy involved, which are of considerable importance and complexity, are still under consideration.
Earl WINTERTONCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in view of the importance of this question as affecting the status and rights of oversea subjects of the Crown, His Majesty's Government propose at an early date to issue a statement of their intentions with regard to the future relationship of these two territories?
§ Mr. THOMASThe Noble Lord knows that the importance of this question cannot be minimised; and steps are being taken to explore the situation.
Earl WINTERTONWill the right hon. Gentleman also bear in mind that these self-governing territories, or countries, within the Empire made these proposals to His Majesty's Government as long ago as September last, and that it is now February, and will he consider the importance from the point of view of Empire relations of accelerating a decision?
§ Mr. THOMASNo one knows better than the Noble Lord that there is no unanimity on this question; other views have been expressed, and it is because of its importance that even so long a time as has elapsed is not too long to arrive at a right decision, and, above all, to arrive at a decision which will not be a party decision, but which will express the sentiments of the House of Commons as a whole.