HC Deb 25 April 1963 vol 676 cc413-4
Q3. Mr. Driberg

asked the Prime Minister what reply he has returned to the communication sent to him informing him of the resolution adopted unanimously by the Executive Committee of the United Nations Association reaffirming the view that independence should not be granted to Southern Rhodesia until it has a demo- cratic constitution, deploring the latest examples of repressive legislation in Southern Rhodesia, protesting against the sentence passed on Mr. Nkomo, and urging Her Majesty's Government to give every assistance to the United Nations committee concerned with this matter.

The Prime Minister

Although the resolution to which the hon. Member refers begins by offering congratulations to Her Majesty's Government the form in which it was sent to me did not call for a reply.

Mr. Driberg

Since the Prime Minister is an honorary president of this Association, may we take it that he is in substantial agreement with his executive committee in the very sensible views which it expresses, as outlined in this Question?

The Prime Minister

This is a duplicated form which is sent round. I received it but, as I said, I did not think that it required a reply.

Mr. H. Wilson

Whether the Prime Minister has replied or not, will he now say whether it is the Government's policy that there shall not be the grant of independence to Southern Rhodesia until Southern Rhodesia has a democratic constitution?

The Prime Minister

I do not think that that arises here. It was dealt with earlier by the First Secretary.

Mr. Goodhew

As honorary president of this Association, would the Prime Minister remind it that many of the members of the United Nations have not democratic Governments and that it ill behoves them to criticise Southern Rhodesia?

The Prime Minister

These matters, I am sure, are well known. In any case, they have been ventilated again today.

Back to