§ Q2. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the policy of the Rhodesian Government further to amend the Constitution, he will make a new effort to reopen negotiations.
§ The Prime MinisterI made clear the British position about a renewal of discussions in the Answers I gave to Questions on 20th December, 1966. Any move by the illegal regime to amend a Constitution which, after amendment, remained illegal would have no effect on this— [Vol. 738, c. 1176].
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonWould not the Prime Minister take into account the fact that sanctions and his policy are stimulating republicanism and extremism in Rhodesia? In view of certain utterances of the Commonwealth Secretary to the white settlers of Australasia, will the right hon. Gentleman now say whether the Government, being unable to take on South Africa, are contemplating the use of armed force in Rhodesia?
§ The Prime MinisterTendencies towards republicanism, extremism and apartheid in Rhodesia are not the creation of any action by Her Majesty's Government. With regard to the suggestion that I have encouraged any of these things, I am glad that I do not have the same responsibility for encouraging them as have the hon. Gentleman and some of his friends.