HC Deb 02 March 1961 vol 635 cc1721-2
1. Mr. D. Foot

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he will state the policy of Her Majesty's Government regarding the future of the Mandate for South-West Africa.

The Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (Mr. Duncan Sandys)

The attitude of Her Majesty's Govern-men' on this question was fully explained to the House by the then Minister of State on 15th December.

Mr. Foot

But does not the right hon. Gentleman recollect that on that occasion the Government accepted a Motion, which was unanimously passed by the House, calling on the Government to take action, either at the United Nations or at the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference, to ensure that either South Africa would carry out its obligations under the Mandate, or would surrender the Mandate? In view of the terms of that Resolution, what action do the Government propose to take at the Prime Ministers' Conference?

Mr. Sandys

I am not aware that this subject will necessarily be raised at the Prime Ministers' Conference.

Mr. Wade

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any other action has been taken, Or is to be taken, by Her Majesty's Government?

Mr. Foot

Are we to understand from the right hon. Gentleman's reply that, in spite of the Government's acceptance of the Motion on 15th December, they propose to take no action whatsoever?

Mr. Sandys

When the hon. and learned Gentleman talks about acceptance of the Motion, I think the Minister of State made it very clear what the attitude of the Government was on this whole question. I would refer him to the speech made on that occasion.

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