§ 3. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what official representatives from British Somaliland attended the Pan-Somali Conference at Mogadishu on 31st December last; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe persons from the Somaliland Protectorate who 1105 attended the recent Conference in Mogadishu of the Pan-Somali National Movement did so as representatives of their political parties and not as official representatives of the Somaliland Protectorate Government.
§ Mr. RankinSince Somalia will become independent in July of this year and British Somaliland will get responsible government later on, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he realises that a feeling is growing up that these two Territories may eventually form a viable unit? Has he given any thought to that aspect of the conference and its results?
§ Mr. MacleodWe have certainly studied this possibility. Indeed, more than a year ago, on 9th February, my predecessor said that if after Somalia became independent there were a desire for such discussions we would facilitate them. That remains the position of Her Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. RankinMay I take it, then, that the right hon. Gentleman will give some encouragement to this movement?
§ Mr. MacleodThe hon. Gentleman may take it, as I have said, that the position of Her Majesty's Government remains this February as it was last February.