§ 31. Mr. Stonehouseasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the results of his discussions with the Paramount Chief of Barotseland.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Hugh Fraser)The discussions have made satisfactory progress 964 but will not be concluded until later this afternoon.
§ Mr. StonehouseCan the hon. Gentleman say whether his right hon. Friend, in his approach to the problems of Barotseland, is being influenced by the same ideals which have influenced him so far in his admirable handling of the problem of the Kabaka of Buganda—ensuring that, in any conflict between democratic representative institutions and a tribal feudal monarchy, democracy shall prevail?
§ Mr. FraserThe hon. Gentleman would do better to await the communiqué which will be issued later. Our relationship with the Barotse is a treaty relationship, and that will be preserved.
§ Sir J. DuncanIs my hon. Friend aware that the relations between Barotseland and Britain right back to Queen Victoria were treaty relations? Does he know that many of us on this side of the House would prefer that treaty relationship to continue?
§ Mr. FraserI think my hon. Friend will find that the communiqué when issued is satisfactory both to this country and to the people of Barotseland.
§ Mr. CallaghanWhatever the communiqué says, may we take it that the Government have given no encouragement to the idea of secession, but rather that they will encourage the Paramount Chief to bring his system of government more into line with modern thinking?
§ Mr. FraserI think that the hon. Member had better wait until the communiqué is issued.