HC Deb 16 December 1965 vol 722 cc1459-60
Q8. Mr. Hamling

asked the Prime Minister what representations have been made to him on the defence of loyal citizens in Rhodesia detained or prosecuted by the rebel régime for disobeying illegal ordinances; and what reply he has sent.

Mr. George Brown

I have been asked to reply.

My right hon. Friend has received a number of representations concerning financial assistance for restrictees and detainees. As to the second part of my hon. Friend's Question, I cannot add to the answer given on the 9th of December by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Lincoln (Mr. Taverne).

Mr. Hamling

I appreciate the difficulties. However, will my right hon. Friend indicate to his right hon. Friend the importance of this country doing whatever it can to defend detainees and to give them whatever assistance we can?

Mr. Brown

I will see that my right hon. Friend notes the view expressed by my hon. Friend.

Q9. Sir Richard Glyn

asked the Prime Minister whether he has now given further consideration to the advisability of publishing his letter to Mr. Mutasa of Rhodesia; and what decision he has come to.

Mr. George Brown

I have been asked to reply.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Gentleman to the Answer which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave to a Question by the hon. and gallant Gentleman the Member for Worcestershire, South (Sir P. Agnew) on 14th December.

Sir Richard Glyn

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that every possible step should be taken to persuade Rhodesia to return to constitutional government? Is he further aware that many Rhodesians sincerely believe that this letter contained pledges which conflicted with offers made during the published negotiations? Will he urge his right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, in order to resolve this perplexity and to restore confidence, either publicly to reconcile those differences, or to renounce the letter?

Mr. Brown

The letter is in the Library where it is available for anybody to see. I do not think that the major part of that supplementary question can be erected on that letter. We all want to see Rhodesia back in the main stream of constitutional progress. I am not at all sure that the hon. Gentleman is helping it.