HC Deb 07 November 1955 vol 545 cc1467-9
19. Mr. Spence

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the present situation in the Sudan; and what action is to be taken to make self-government effective.

11. Mr. Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the measure of agreement in the Legislative Assembly of Sudan, Her Majesty's Government will consent, subject to similar consent by the Government of Egypt, to the Assembly reaching a decision on the issue of the Sudan's future international status without the cost and delay of a plebiscite or further general election.

Mr. H. Macmillan

On 29th October the Sudanese Prime Minister stated that it might be some time before the possibility of a decision on a shortening of the self-determination process laid down in the Anglo-Egyptian Agreement of February, 1953, was fully explored by the political parties, and, until it was accepted or rejected, the Government would continue on the presumption that the future of the Sudan would be decided by a plebiscite or along the lines laid down in the Agreement. Her Majesty's Government have decided to agree that a plebiscite be held, but have told the Egyptian Government that they consider that any proposal which the Sudanese Parliament may in the future make about a shortening of the process of self-determination should be given sympathetic consideration by the Codomini.

Mr. Spence

Did my right hon. Friend make any proviso that no plebiscite should be held until an effective administration is again set up in Southern Sudan? Does he not consider that Britain is under an obligation to see that such an administration must be in effect before a general election or plebiscite is held?

Mr. Macmillan

If the plebiscite is held, it will be part of the duty of the International Commission to report whether the conditions are suitable.

Mr. Spence

Has my right hon. Friend made it definite that it must not be held until there is an administration actually in being and effective?

Mr. Macmillan

We are one of the parties to the agreement of February, 1953, and cannot unilaterally denounce it; we must try to make it effective. Of course the situation in the Sudan is one on the things which causes us concern, but that in my view is not a ground for withdrawing from the undertaking that by one means or another the people of the Sudan should have the right to decide what their future should be.

Captain Waterhouse

Do I understand my right hon. Friend to say that the International Commission will not only have the right to supervise the election but also have the right to say whether or not conditions are ripe for the election?

Mr. Macmillan

I think it would be difficult to operate the work of supervision without having some say as to whether it is possible to hold it at all.

Mr. Spence

I beg to give notice of my intention to raise the matter again on the Adjournment.

24. Major Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what special steps Her Majesty's Government propose to take to protect the interests of the Southern Sudanese.

Mr. H. Macmillan

I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that Her Majesty's Government in their status as co-dominus are watching with the closest concern the interests of the Southern Sudanese. In these, as in other matters, we are scrupulously abiding by the terms of the Anglo-Egyptian Agreement. Meanwhile, our information leads us to believe that the Sudan Government, in taking measures to restore order after the mutiny of 18th August, have acted with restraint and with due regard for legal processes.

Major Wall

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many people feel that this country is not fulfilling its moral obligations to the Southern Sudanese? Can he say whether these people are not being victimised and whether they will have a chance to express their views as to the future of their country without coercion?

Mr. Macmillan

Yes, Sir. We are certainly doing our best and the Governor-General is doing all he can, too. But the situation is, of course, difficult and we are in the position that we can only influence it by the efforts of the Governor-General. I am sure that there will be every help from the Government of the Sudan.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Can my right hon. Friend tell the House something about the present position of the Christian Missions in Southern Sudan?

Mr. Macmillan

I would be glad if I could have notice of that question.