§ 11. Mr. Fisherasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he will take an initiative designed to bring about the resumption of diplomatic relations between Great Britain and Tanzania.
§ Mr. BottomleyThe hon. Member will recognise that we normally look to the country which has been instrumental in breaking diplomatic relations to take any such initiative.
§ Mr. FisherOf course I appreciate that, but is the right hon. Gentleman aware that reports from those who have 1419 been in Tanzania in the recent past have indicated that President Nyerere would now very much like to resume diplomatic relations with us? If so, in view of the importance of our being fully in the picture of East African opinion at present, would the Commonwealth Secretary himself try to devise a mutually satisfactory and acceptable formula?
§ Mr. BottomleyI have said that we would normally look to the country which has broken off relations to take the first step. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said in this House on 27th January, this has been a very serious mistake by the Tanzanians but one which is reparable.
§ Sir H. Legge-BourkeIn view of the grave state of our own economy, would the right hon. Gentleman make clear to any self-governing former colonial territory of this country that they cannot continue to expect aid of the proportions which Tanzania is now getting?
§ Mr. BottomleyNo, Sir. I think it would be very unwise to do that.