HC Deb 19 December 1960 vol 632 cc865-6
24. Mr. Tilney

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will consult with Mr. Hammarskjoeld about action to be taken in view of the campaign of one political party in the South Cameroons that wants independence from Nigeria and the Cameroon Republic and is urging the electorate to spoil their ballot papers.

Mr. Heath

The United Nations has charged Her Majesty's Government, as the administering authority, with the responsibility for conducting the plebiscite in the Cameroons on the basis of the political choices laid down by the General Assembly, as well as for ensuring that the people there are aware of the reasons why the plebiscite is being held. This will be done during the "enlightenment campaign" to be held in January.

Mr. Tilney

Although the economic development of the South Cameroons will probably be best served by that country becoming a self-governing region of the Federation of Nigeria, is my right hon. Friend aware that there are probably a large number of Cameroonians who want union neither with Nigeria nor with the Cameroon Republic? What are they to do?

Mr. Heath

This has been laid down by the United Nations Assembly, and the electors must make up their own minds about the choice they make.

Colonel Tufton Beamish

Is it too late for the United Nations to consider this matter again? Is it not curious that, the trusteeship having been brought to an end, this territory is not being offered a chance to choose complete independence?

Mr. Heath

The actual details of the matter are for my right hon. Friend the Colonial Secretary but, as I understand it, the arrangements are now firmly made.

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