2. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he can make a statement regarding the future constitutional relations of Southern and Northern Rhodesia and the Royal Commission Report?
§ Mr. EdenMy predecessor and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies had a series of discussions with the Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia during his recent visit to this country, in the course of which the questions raised in the report of the Royal Commission were discussed. In view of the outbreak of war, it was necessary to suspend the discussions, but it was agreed with Mr. Huggins that they should be resumed as soon as circumstances permit. In the meantime, I am not in a position to announce any decisions in regard to the recommendations in the report.
Mr. Creech JonesCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the evidence taken by the Royal Commission will be printed, and, in particular, whether it will be possible to have access to the evidence submitted by the native witnesses in those territories?
§ Mr. PalingWould the right hon. Gentleman- explain what is meant by "as soon as circumstances permit"? Does that mean the end of the war?
§ Mr. EdenNo, Sir, not necessarily. It means that we hope that the postponement is for a comparatively short duration. We thought we must have an opportunity to consider the position in the light of existing circumstances.