§ 19. Mr. Callaghanasked the Minister of Defence what visits to Africa, and for what purpose, the Chief of the Defence Staff proposes to make this year.
§ Mr. WatkinsonLord Mountbatten will be visiting British units in East Africa and the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland towards the end of September this year to discuss local military problems with Commanders on the spot.
§ Mr. CallaghanCan we take it that there is no intention of entering into defence discussions about new bases?
§ Mr. WatkinsonYes, I think that is perfectly correct. Lord Mountbatten's visit, as the hon. Gentleman knows, is to see our forces dispersed in Kenya and their accommodation and the things which generally the Chief of the Defence Staff inspects.
§ Mr. CallaghanWill the Minister convey to the Chief of the Defence Staff what he may already know, that in view of our experience in other parts of the world, if we are to have a long-term defence arrangement in Africa which is of any value to Britain, we must carry African opinion with us in the arrangements which are made?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI agree with the hon. Gentleman. I think that the Nigerian Defence Agreement, which is in course of production, shows clearly that that is our wish.
§ Mr. WiggCan the House take it that the right hon. Gentleman's statement that the visit is not concerned with new bases now excludes the proposal that British troops should be sent to the Cameroons in the near future? Is he aware that it is nearly 100 years since British infantry of the line were required to serve in West Africa, and does this now exclude that proposal?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI was dealing with the question of the visit by Lord Mountbatten to our forces and base installations in Africa. I have said that is the main purpose of his visit. I do not wish to add anything to my Answer.