§ 44. Mr. Dribergasked the Lord Privy Seal what consideration he has given to the British Council of Churches' recent statement on Angola, a copy of which has been sent to him; and if, in view of the United Kingdom's ancient treaty with Portugal and of the repercussions in Commonwealth African territories of events in Angola, he will take action as called for by the United Nations' General Assembly's resolution of 30th January, which Her Majesty's Government supported, by initiating consultations with the Portuguese Government along the lines suggested in the statement, and thereby help to secure the early implementation of the right to self-determination of the Angolan people.
§ Mr. HeathI have read the recent statement by the British Council of Churches on Angola. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the Portuguese Government are well aware of our views in this matter.
§ Mr. DribergBut does the right hon. Gentleman mean by that reply that he is pressing the Portuguese Government on this matter? Does he recall that in this resolution, for which the British delegate voted, not only was the Portuguese Government's oppression in Angola deeply deprecated, but also member States were called on
to use their influence to secure the compliance of Portugalwith that resolution? Is he pressing positively?
§ Mr. HeathMy noble Friend has on a number of occasions discussed this with members of the Portuguese Government, and, in the case of the Portuguese Foreign Minister, very recently.
Mr. H. WilsonThe right hon. Gentleman said that the Portuguese Government were in no doubt about our views on this matter. Will he say what Britain's views are? Has he made it plain to the Government of Portugal that we deeply deplore and repudiate the whole of that policy in Angola.
§ Viscount HinchingbrookeWhat sort of a position would Britain be in in resisting proposals from the United Nations Commission on Southern Rhodesia if at the same time we were trying to influence the opinions of a great and friendly ally, namely, Portugal, as to how she should conduct her affairs?
§ Mr. HeathIt is because we are in alliance with Portugal that we are able to exchange views about this matter. Portugal clearly understands the difference between our colonial policy and the policy which she pursues.
Mr. H. WilsonThe right hon. Gentleman has not answered my quesion. Is he aware that although we deeply deplore the Government's attitude on Southern Rhodesia, no one on this side of the House has suggested that we are treating the people in Rhodesia as the Portuguese are treating the people in Angola. Will the hon. Gentleman make it very plain that despite the ancient alliance—and some of us feel that we pay a very high price for Catherine of Braganza—will the right hon. Gentleman make plain the complete horror that is felt in this country about Portuguese behaviour in Angola?
§ Mr. HeathWe have discussed this in the House on previous occasions and the Government have made their views about Portuguese policy in Angola perfectly plain.