§ 1. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations, in his discussions with the Rhodesian Government, what modifications of the 1961 Constitution he stated that Her Majesty's Government would require before granting independence to Rhodesia.?
§ 3. Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations, following his visit to Rhodesia, what plans he has for seeking a revision of the 1961 Constitution.
§ 11. Mr. Fisherasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what negotiations are now in progress with Rhodesia; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (Mr. Arthur Bottomley)I am not able to add anything to my statement of 8th March. My right hon. 1366 Friend the Prime Minister is still in confidential communication with the Prime Minister of Rhodesia.
§ Mr. WallWill the right hon. Gentleman agree that the 1961 Constitution could be a basis for negotiated independence, and will he agree also that there is very little time or room left for manœuvre and the whole issue should be settled before the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference?
§ Mr. BottomleyWe have said that we must be satisfied that the basis upon which independence is granted is acceptable to the people of Rhodesia as a whole. As regards the next Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference, we shall have to wait and see what develops between now and then.
§ Mr. DigbyThe right hon. Gentleman never mentioned the 1961 Constitution in his statement. Until he has some other plan, is there not a lot to be said for encouraging all interests to try to work the 1961 Constitution?
§ Mr. BottomleyThere is something to be said for saying that we must accept the 1961 Constitution, whether as it is now or whether it is to be added to in the future.
§ Sir F. BennettWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether, when he was out there, he gave an absolutely specific assurance that there would be no question of attempting unilaterally to alter it against the wishes of the present Rhodesian Government?
§ Mr. BottomleyThere is no attempt to do anything unilaterally either on the part of this Government or, I would hope, on the part of the Rhodesian Government.