§ 27. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the First Secretary of State if he will make a statement on the latest representations he has received from authoritative sources in Africa with regard to the Central African Federation; and what steps Her Majesty's Government now intend to take.
§ The First Secretary of State (Mr. R. A. Butler)I have nothing to add at present 406 to the statement I made to the House on 1st April. As I then indicated, Her Majesty's Government consider it desirable that there should be further discussions between the Governments concerned.
§ Mr. HughesWill the Minister say what he is doing in these matters in the interests of Commonwealth solidarity and Britain's position as a world Power?
§ Mr. ButlerAs I said on 1st April, it is desirable that a discussion should take place between the Governments concerned not only about the transitional arrangements required but also about alternative forms of association.
§ Mr. WallDoes my right hon. Friend doubt the statement of the Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia that he will not attend such a conference until my right hon. Friend has conceded the right of Southern Rhodesia to independence? Has he any plans for making progress in Central Africa other than this conference?
§ Mr. ButlerThese matters are at present under consideration in the light of the views expressed by the Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia.
§ Mr. M. FootCan the right hon. Gentleman tell us what information he has about the possibilities of calling a conference? Supposing that the information from Southern Rhodesia means that they do not want such a conference, how long does he propose to continue without having any policy at all?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, Sir. The recent statement of the Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia is at present under consideration and I cannot carry the matter any further today.