HC Deb 02 March 1959 vol 601 c19
30. Mr. Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will consult the French Government with a view to a mutual arrangement by which territories at present under British and French administration in Africa, including trusteeship territories, may become united with independent status when their people so desire.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. John Profumo)

It would not be appropriate to approach this question in the general terms indicated by the hon. Member. A decision on whether and when a territory should become independent and, if so, whether it would be appropriate for Her Majesty's Government to undertake consultations with other Governments about the possible union or association of the territory with another territory, must depend on the circumstances of the particular case.

Mr. Brockway

Would not the Minister of State agree that this is now becoming a wider and increasingly urgent question? Is he not aware that there is already misunderstanding in Paris about the decision of the Republic of Guinea to link with Ghana and that problems will arise in the South Cameroons and between British and French Somaliland? Is it not desirable that there should be these discussions with independent African States, who seek to end the artificial and arbitrary frontiers which now exist?

Mr. Profumo

I do not think the question is wider than the answer I gave.