HC Deb 07 February 1961 vol 634 cc200-1
26. Mr. Tilney

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether British troops will be withdrawn from the Cameroons after the forthcoming plebiscite.

Mr. Iain Macleod

They will be withdrawn by the time United Kingdom Trusteeship comes to an end.

Mr. Tilney

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that after next weekend's plebiscite there is likely to be, in the South Cameroons at any rate, a large and dissatisfied minority? Should the vote go in favour of the Cameroon Republic, where civil war appears almost endemic, will he bear in mind the necessity of keeping British troops at risk for the shortest possible time in a country where there is no Commonwealth interest?

Mr. Macleod

Yes. I will certainly bear those interests in mind, but, naturally, security over these Territories lies with us as the administrative Power.

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