§ 42. Mr. Youngerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what consultations are taking place with other Governments, especially those of France, Italy and Ethiopia, regarding the coordination of policies for the development of the territories inhabited by the Somali peoples when Somalia becomes independent in 1960.
§ Commander NobleAs stated in my hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Member for Rugby (Mr. J. Johnson) on 27th January, discussions about the future of the Horn of Africa are actively proceeding through diplomatic channels. The purpose of these discussions is to coordinate the policies of the powers with responsibilities in the area.
§ Mr. YoungerDoes the right hon. and gallant Gentleman expect to be able to make any kind of a statement in the near future? No doubt he is aware that there has been a lot of anxiety expressed in the House and in the Press, but there has been no information from the Government.
§ Commander NobleI cannot guarantee to make a statement in the near future, but I will certainly bear in mind the right hon. Gentleman's question.
§ Mr. Fletcher-CookeWill my right hon. and gallant Friend bear in mind in these studies that somehow or other a good deal of money has got to be found from somewhere, from somebody, to keep alive this independent State when it comes into being in 1960, because without a good deal of subvention it cannot possibly live?
§ Commander NobleYes, Sir. Her Majesty's Government fully recognise the great importance of the Horn of Africa and the need for ensuring that its problems are not tackled piecemeal but in a co-ordinated manner.