HC Deb 04 February 1954 vol 523 cc526-7
2. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what representations were made by Her Majesty's Government in respect of the recent High Commissioner for India in Kenya, Mr. Pant; and what communications between Her Majesty's Government and the Indian Government have yet taken place in respect of his successor.

Mr. Foster

No formal representations have been made by the United Kingdom Government about Mr. Pant, the Indian Commissioner in East and Central Africa, and no communication has yet been received from the Indian Government as to the name of his successor.

Mr. Sorensen

Is the Minister aware that Mr. Pant has recently done yeoman service for race relationships in Kenya? Has his successor been appointed yet?

Mr. Foster

We have not had any communication about his successor.

Mr. Braine

Having regard to the friendly and informal nature of the relationship between this country and other sovereign nations of the Commonwealth, would my hon. and learned Friend agree that it would be most unfortunate if he said anything which put on a formal footing discussions of a confidential nature which may take place between this country and another member of the Commonwealth family?