§ 14. Sir Geoffrey de Freitasasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what will be the duties of the Special Representative in East and Central Africa; and whether he will make a statement.
§ 15. Mr. Hornbyasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what are to be the new duties of Mr. Malcolm MacDonald; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BottomleyAs stated in the official announcement made on 28th October, Mr. MacDonald's duties as Special Representative will be to concern himself with major matters affecting Britain's relations with two or more of the countries in East and Central Africa to which his responsibilities extend.
§ Sir G. de FreitasIn view of the longstanding African hostility to any British initiative coming out of Kenya, will the Secretary of State consider setting up the Special Representative's office outside Kenya?
§ Mr. BottomleyI recognise my hon. Friend's great experience as a result of his service in East Africa, and I shall bear his suggestion in mind.
§ Mr. HornbyCan the right hon. Gentleman tell the House of the attitude of Uganda to this appointment, as Uganda was not mentioned in the statement to which he referred?
§ Mr. BottomleyThe Prime Minister of Uganda is of the opinion that the best way of conducting negotiations between the two countries is direct through the High Commissioners resident in both countries.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydAs regards the other countries, excluding Uganda, may we take it that there will still be direct contact with Her Majesty's Government and the High Commissioner in the territory concerned?
§ Mr. BottomleyYes, that is the intention. It is hoped that Mr. MacDonald will have a roving commission. There are so many matters of common interest in East Africa that it was thought advisable to try to co-ordinate them in the best interests of this country and the other countries.