§ 13. Mr. Fenner Brockwayasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what conclusions have been reached in the discussions with the Prime Minister of the Central African Federation regarding the future of the Federation.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (Commander Allan Noble)Lord Malvern, as the then Prime Minister of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, when in London in June and July, had some talks with my noble friend on the possibility of improving the status of the Federation without altering the relationship beween the Federal Government and the territorial Governments. These talks were purely exploratory, and no agreement was reached.
§ Mr. BrockwayIn view of the threat made by Lord Malvern about a "Boston tea party" and the extreme statements made by the present Prime Minister of the Central African Federation, will the Under-Secretary confirm the statement made by Lord Chandos on behalf of Her Majesty's Government during the discussion of the federal proposals that there will be no full self-government in that area without the consent of the majority of the population?
§ Commander NobleHer Majesty's Government are well aware of the provisions of the 1953 Constitution and the proviso that it remains in force until at 1592 least 1960. Perhaps I might take this opportunity of sending our good wishes to Lord Malvern on his honourable retirement, which began yesterday after so many years as Prime Minister.
§ Mr. BrockwayWith those remarks may I express personal agreement?
§ Mr. F. M. BennettWhile agreeing with the Minister's reservation on the constitutional position, may I ask whether he would agree that any expression of distrust in this House or elsewhere in the country about our kinsmen in the Federation can only have the effect of encouraging extremism rather than moderation?
§ Commander NobleYes, I think that would be most unfortunate.