§ 12. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will consider holding exploratory talks with the Governments of Ethiopia, France, Italy and the United States of America regarding a conference to discuss the future of the Horn of Africa, with particular reference to the proposed state of Somalia after 1960.
§ Mr. Ian HarveyHer Majesty's Government fully recognise that the future of the Horn of Africa is a matter requiring frank and continuing discussion between the Powers with responsibilities in the area. Such discussion is, in fact, actively proceeding through diplomatic channels.
§ Mr. JohnsonIs it not a fact that the Somalis feel that this Government are letting them down in this matter; and that they are stumbling from expediency to expediency? In view of the fact that this area will become a powder keg from 1960 onwards, will not the Government show a little more initiative in this matter and call a conference of all the Powers concerned?
§ Mr. HarveyI have explained that this matter is being discussed at the moment 20 in the normal way, and I think that better progress would be made in that fashion than in the way suggested by the hon. Gentleman.