HC Deb 30 January 1964 vol 688 c517
10. Sir P. Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what information he has as to the where-abouts of Miss Diana N. Smith, a British subject employed as a nursing sister in a hospital in Pemba, Zanzibar, whose last known address was P.O. Box 98, Wete, Pemba, Zanzibar, in view of the fact that Miss Smith was last heard of when a cable was received by her father on Wednesday 15th January, 1964.

Mr. Sandys

I understand that she is now working in a hospital in Zanzibar, and that she is safe and well.

Sir P. Roberts

While thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, which I am sure will be appreciated by my constituent, may I ask, arising out of what he said earlier, whether he is satisfied that there is sufficient authority in the island of Zanzibar to protect British lives and interests there?

Mr. Sandys

I give no assurance about the Government of Zanzibar. We have taken precautions quite some time ago to deal with the possibility of the need, which might arise, as I explained to the House, for a rapid evacuation of our citizens in Zanzibar, and there is a naval vessel available for that purpose.

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