§ Q2. Mr. Winnickasked the Prime Minister whether it is the policy of the Government to support financially the duties carried out by the Governor of Rhodesia.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Governor has preferred to carry out his duties during this difficult year without assistance from us. I am sure that the House would have very readily approved such assistance if the Governor had wished it.
§ Mr. WinnickIs the Prime Minister aware of the admiration felt on this side of the House for the personal courage of the Governor in these very trying days? In view of reports about the financial difficulties of the Governor, can anything be done to ease his position in this period?
§ The Prime MinisterI am sure that my hon. Friend has expressed the feeling of the whole House in the tributes which he has paid to the Governor. As for statements about financial difficulties, I would not underrate the very great help of a great number of loyal Rhodesians who have supported and still support the Governor wholeheartedly. If he had wished assistance from us, we would have been most ready to give it and I am sure that the House would have agreed.
§ Mr. WoodburnIs my right hon. Friend aware that financial difficulties will probably be the least of the Governor's troubles? Has he in mind any plans to assist him in letting the people of Rhodesia know of the circumstances of my right hon. Friend's offer and the negotiations, and what can be done to bring them to appreciate——
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. That is wide of the original Question.
§ The Prime MinisterI hope that my right hon. Friend is wrong in what he said about financial difficulties being the least of the worries. I was encouraged a fortnight ago when Mr. Smith started referring to him as "the Governor", as he did throughout the time of this last weekend, and disheartened when I saw a statement from the régime this morning referring to him as "a governor", with a small "g". It may be only a small thing, but I think that it is regrettable.