HC Deb 02 December 1946 vol 431 cc28-30
58. Mr. Piratin

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will publish the evidence upon which he based his support for the South African Government's demand for the annexation of South-West Africa, in particular indicating the manner in which the natives were consulted on the question.

Mr. Michael Stewart (Comptroller of the Household)

I have been asked to reply. I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by the Prime Minister on 23rd October in regard to the steps taken by the South African Government to ascertain the wishes of the inhabitants of South-West Africa on the proposed incorporation of that Territory in the Union of South Africa. Full details have been published by the South African Government in a document submitted to the United Nations General Assembly in New York. A copy of this document has been placed in the Library of the House.

Mr. Piratin

I did not hear the last sentence or two of the hon. Gentleman's reply but I think I have caught the main point. In view of the fact that in answer to a Question I put a week or two ago, I was then advised to refer to a document in the Library, and that in that document, which I have studied, there is a reference to the statement which the hon. Gentleman has read, and on the evidence of which he is satisfied, is it not possible to present it in the form of a White Paper to this House, so that we may know on what he bases his decision and speaks for this House?

Mr. Stewart

I am not clear as to the document to which the hon. Member refers.

Mr. Piratin

A/123.

Mr. Stewart

The document to which I referred is that dealing with the speech made in the United Nations General Assembly by the representative of the South African Government. Perhaps the hon. Member will consult that.

Mr. Piratin

I made it clear that my reference was to Paper A/123.

Mr. Michael Foot

Can my hon. Friend confirm the statement made in the "Manchester Guardian" that a request was made to the South African Government by a philanthropic body called The Institute of Race Relations, to conduct an independent inquiry in South - West Africa, and that this request was refused by the South African Government?

Mr. Stewart

Perhaps my hon. Friend will put that question on the Order Paper.