HC Deb 01 April 1953 vol 513 cc1197-8
24. Mr. Mott-Radclyffe

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to make a statement regarding the circumstances which led Her Majesty's Government to nominate Dardiri Mohamed Osman to the Sudan Governor-General's Commission in place of Mohamed Hassan Diab who was one of the two original Sudan nominees.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

As I informed the House on 11th March, Her Majesty's Government have throughout taken the view that Sudanese wishes should prevail as regards the Sudanese members of the Governor-General's Commission. When I was in Khartoum I discussed the question with the leaders of the four political parties. Those who had supported Mohamed Hassan Diab said that they were prepared to accept Dardiri Mohamed Osman to break the deadlock and to avoid further delay in holding the elections. It was made clear that in any event the matter is subject to review by the Sudanese Parliament when elected.

In view of this development Her Majesty's Government decided to accept the nomination of Dardiri Mohamed Osman. This was done and the Governor-General's Commission has now been appointed. The way is clear for the appointment of the Electoral Commission and the holding of elections.

Mr. Mott-Radclyffe

While appreciating that this is principally a matter for the Sudanese, does my right hon. and learned Friend recall that as recently as 11th March he informed the House that no single vote had been cast for Dardiri Mohamed Osman as one of the two Sudanese representatives on the Governor-General's Commission?

Mr. Lloyd

Dardiri was not on the original list of candidates put forward for this position.