HC Deb 05 December 1963 vol 685 cc1339-40
5. Mr. Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he took into account the nationality of the serving officers of the various Rhodesian defence forces when agreeing to the allocation of those forces between Nyasaland, Northern Rhodesia and Southern Rhodesia.

Mr. Sandys

Under the arrangements agreed by all the Governments concerned complete units were allocated between the three territories.

Mr. Brockway

But that does not answer my Question. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that my Question was … whether he took into account the nationality of the serving officers … in these forces? In view of the situation in Central Africa, particularly in Southern Rhodesia, is not this a matter of importance? For example, how many officers of South African origin are serving with the forces in Southern Rhodesia?

Mr. Sandys

I thought my answer had made quite clear that, in coming to this arrangement, which was agreed to by all five Governments—the British, Federal, Nyasaland, Northern Rhodesian and Southern Rhodesian—we had been concerned with the allocation of units and not of individuals. I do not think that it is for the British Government or, for that matter, any other Government to start inquiring into the origin of people. The hon. Member has always been a champion of the principle of nondiscrimination on racial grounds.

Mr. Brockway

While I appreciate the tribute the hon. Member pays me, may I ask whether he is not aware of the situation in Southern Rhodesia, which may be very difficult in relation to the forces in that territory if there are officers whose origin may be that of another country?

Sir C. Osborne

Who is race-conscious now?

Mr. Sandys

The arrangements that have been made have really two sides. First, the individuals have been given a number of wide-ranging options as to whether they wish to serve and in what circumstances. One option is the right to retire with pension. Secondly, it is a matter for the Governments concerned to decide whom they wish to employ in their armed forces and from whom they will expect to get loyal service.