§ Q1. Mr. Zilliacusasked the Prime Minister whether he will now propose to the United Nations Security Council that the economic sanctions already being applied and those recommended in the Security Council resolution be made mandatory under Articles 39 and 41 of the Charter, that an oil embargo committee of the chief oil-producing countries be set up to apply this sanction, and that measures be concerted under Articles 49 and 50 of the Charter to help Zambia and Malawi to cope with the economic consequences to themselves of joining in United Nations sanctions against Rhodesia.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Wilson)No, Sir.
§ Mr. ZilliacusDoes not my right hon. Friend believe that it would be easier to get co-operation from the members of the United Nations if it became their duty under the Charter to give that co-operation?
§ The Prime MinisterIt has been the desire of all of us in the House, I think, to see that this very difficult problem should continue to he handled by the British Government. There have been some very difficult moments when it looked as though that might not be possible, but my hon. Friend's suggestion would not contribute to what we have in mind.
§ Q2. Sir R. Nugentasked the Prime Minister what communications he has had with the Governor of Rhodesia about opening discussions with a view to reaching a settlement; and what has been the outcome.
§ The Prime MinisterI feel sure that, in the present situation, the House will 27 not expect me to disclose any consultations with the Governor of Rhodesia. I shall be making a statement on the question of a settlement of the Rhodesian problem after Questions.
§ Q5. Mr. Zilliacusasked the Prime Minister if he will deprive United Kingdom subjects serving in the police, army and air force of Rhodesia of their service pensions and warn them that if they continue to serve after one month's notice they will be liable to be tried for treason, whereas if they return home their pensions will be restored, they will be compensated for loss of property, and they will be assisted to find suitable employment.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir.
§ Mr. ZilliacusIs it not a fact that one-third of the Rhodesian Army and Air Force officers and almost all the police officers are United Kingdom subjects, and so long as they draw Service pensions they do not believe that there is any real conflict of loyalties, whereas if the measure proposed in the Question were taken, would it not bring home to the waverers—there are many of them—that there really is a conflict of loyalties and compel them to choose?
§ The Prime MinisterThe question of the conflict of loyalties is most difficult—we have debated it many times so far as Rhodesia's public servants, not only the police but others, are concerned. The answer that we have given is the most realistic way of dealing with the question. This was fully dealt with by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 14th December. It would be wrong to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion.