§ Q8. Sir C. Osborneasked the Prime Minister, in view of the fact that it is his policy not to negotiate with the Smith régime in Rhodesia until there is a return 1957 to constitutional rule, what steps he is now taking to secure such a return.
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer the hon. Gentleman to the Answers I gave to Question on 20th December, 19th January and 2nd February.—[Vol. 738, c. 1176; Vol. 739, c. 648; Vol. 740, c. 762.]
§ Sir C. OsborneIf it is wrong to bomb Vietnam, would it not be wrong to bomb Rhodesia? If it is right to try to get a peaceful settlement in Vietnam, would the right hon. Gentleman try once more to get a peaceful settlement in Rhodesia?
§ The Prime MinisterI have not heard any suggestion that we should bomb Rhodesia. The question of Vietnam is an entirely separate issue, which was fully discussed last week. As the House and the hon. Gentleman know—we debated it—we reached the basis of a very fair settlement in Rhodesia which was rejected by extremists of the régime. The hon. Gentleman voted to support them in their rejection of it.
§ Mr. MolloyWould my right hon. Friend acknowledge that there are many people in Rhodesia, of all races, who find the present illegal régime abhorrent? Will he say what proposals the Government have to help and encourage these people, who are sticking out against the illegal régime?
§ The Prime MinisterI have no doubt that there are very many people in Rhodesia, including many Europeans, who are of the opinion described by my hon. Friend. They have not made their opposition to the régime effective in a political or real sense. As to what we are doing, I would remind my hon. Friend of the action we took in December.