§ Q5. Sir J. Edenasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the threat to British Colonies resulting from the recent events in Zanzibar, Tanganyika and Uganda, he will take the initiative in proposing a regional security pact, to which all countries concerned with the maintenance of freedom and order in the continent of Africa would be invited to be party; and if he will seek to convene a special conference of these countries, with a view to adopting collective measures to combat Communist subversion in the area.
§ The Prime MinisterFollowing recent events in East Africa we shall naturally 978 be in consultation with the Governments concerned. Any future steps to strengthen the security of the area must depend on what they themselves want.
§ Sir J. EdenCan my right hon. Friend say whether any request has come from these countries in Africa for some form of consultation of this kind? Does not he agree at it is very much in the interests, both of ourselves in the West and of the African countries, that we should co-ordinate our endeavours as far as possible to guard against subversion?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, I agree entirely with what my hon. Friend says. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations hopes to meet the Ministers of these countries quite shortly, and we shall be discussing with them all these subjects.