HC Deb 27 April 1961 vol 639 cc597-8
4. Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will take steps at the United Nations to secure the transfer of the mandate for South-West Africa from the Union of South Africa to the United Kingdom, in view of South Africa becoming a Republic.

Mr. Braine

No, Sir. The changes of status of the Union of South Africa after 31st May will in no way affect its rights and obligations under the mandate.

Mr. Stonehouse

Is the Under-Secretary of State aware that this is a very important matter which affects the standing of Britain in the eyes of the world, in view of what appears to be our primary responsibility? Will the hon. Gentleman at least consider, and ask his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to consider, consulting other members of the Commonwealth with a view to this mandate becoming a Commonwealth responsibility?

Mr. Braine

I would refer the hon. Member to the explanation of the constitutional position governing the South-West Africa mandate question given by my right hon. and noble Friend, Lord Alport, in the debate on 15th December. It was put so well on that occasion that I do not think there is any need for me to add to it today.

Mr. Callaghan

Whatever rights the South African Government may have possessed, have they not forfeited them by their failure to account for their trusteeship to the responsible authorities, including the United Nations, as they have been repeatedly requested to do, and in view of the fact that they have flouted the authority of the United Nations on many occasions, why does he say that he will take no steps to remove the mandate from their control?

Mr. Braine

The first pant of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question is a matter for the United Nations in any event. The question is under consideration by the International Court, and it would be quite improper for me to comment further.

Mr. Stonehouse

Would not the hon. Gentleman agree that the Union Government would not have got this mandate unless it had been in the Commonwealth at that time?

Mr. Braine

That, of course, is another question. [HON. MEMBERS: "Answer it."] I am going to answer it. The mandate was granted to His Britannic Majesty as the King, the constitutional head, of the Union of South Africa, a sovereign independent country at the time.

Mr. Callaghan

But is not South Africa now a Republic?