§ 11. Mr. Goodhewasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what information he has about the latest effects of sanctions on the economy of Rhodesia; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BowdenI have nothing to add to the reply which I gave on 18th April to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull, West (Mr. James Johnson).—[Vol. 745, c. 59–60.]
§ Mr. GoodhewIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that he is pursuing a completely sterile and futile policy? News coming from Rhodesia indicates that there is no possibility of any alternatve Government arising. When will the right hon. Gentleman take some constructive measures towards resolving this dispute?
§ Mr. BowdenIf the hon. Gentleman's view is correct, he should be happy and gratified about it, but it is not correct. In fact, sanctions are biting pretty deeply.
§ Mr. RoseIs my right hon. Friend aware that economic sanctions will be politically ineffective unless some action can be taken to stop the South African Government from helping the Rhodesian economy by supplying oil and taking tobacco? Will he undertake to take diplomatic or any other necessary action to secure politically effective action?
§ Mr. BowdenOne of the main activities of Her Majesty's Government and many other governments is to stop breaches in the sanctions wall, which we are trying to do with some success.
§ Mr. Ronald BellWould the right hon. Gentleman consider extending these sanctions to Sierra Leone, where the position appears to be indistinguishable?
§ Mr. BowdenThe position is, in fact, easily distinguishable, in that Sierra Leone is an independent Commonwealth country, whereas Rhodesia is not.
§ 13. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs whether he is aware that Mr. Smith has set up a constitutional commission to advise on a new constitution for Rhodesia; and what efforts the Government are now making to reopen negotiations.
§ Mr. BowdenThis so-called commission has of course no legal standing at all. As we have repeatedly made clear, the British Government remain ready to reach a settlement through discussion and subsequent negotiation with a legal government in Rhodesia.
§ Mr. WallAs it is now clear that we face either a long economic war of attrition or the escalation of sanctions by extension to other countries in Southern Africa, will the right hon. Gentleman not say that he will make some approach to Rhodesia for continued conversations? Has he had any approach from the Governor?
§ Mr. BowdenThe initiative so far taken, for instance, on the "Tiger", was taken by Her Majesty's Government, and the House and the world know what happened as a result. It is not for us to continue to make these advances and initiate new discussions until there is a clear indication that the Rhodesians will return to the rule of law.
§ Mr. LongdenAs it is clear that nobody will attempt to force South Africa to play as some of the Secretary of State's hon. Friends wish, is it not time that the Government made an agonising reappraisal of their policy towards Rhodesia?
§ Mr. BowdenNo, Sir. I think that the existing policy—the policy of the Commonwealth as a whole—is attaining, albeit slowly, the results which we require.
§ Mr. MolloyWould my right hon. Friend not agree that the activities of Smith and these rebels in Rhodesia are a direct affront and insult to the Crown and 291 constitution of this country, which hon. Members opposite so often like to quote when it suits their purposes—particularly the Crown? Is it not time that we took the attitude which they suggest and protected the vital constitution of this country in a more forceful manner?
§ Mr. BowdenIf by "a more forceful manner" my hon. Friend means the use of force, the British Government's position has been stated on many occasions. Anyone who sets a match to that part of Africa could not possibly forecast what would happen.
§ Mr. WallHas any approach been made by the Governor or any advice received from him since the breakdown of the "Tiger" talks?
§ Mr. BowdenThe hon. Gentleman will be aware that we are in continued communication with Her Majesty's representative, the legal Governor of Rhodesia. Once there is any move towards a return to legality, we should not hesitate to act.
§ 19. Mr. Paul B. Roseasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs how much oil is at present entering Rhodesia from Portuguese East Africa and South Africa.
§ Mr. BowdenI have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Cardigan (Mr. Elystan Morgan) on 27th January, 1967.—[Vol. 740, c. 389.]
§ Mr. RoseWould my right hon. Friend undertake to ensure that the pipeline carrying oil from Mozambique to Rhodesia will not fall into the hands of those who are willing to breach the sanctions laid down by the United Nations Organisation? What diplomatic or other activity is now going on to stop the current supply of oil from South Africa and Portugal?
§ Mr. BowdenI have answered this question before. The House is aware, of course, that Rhodesia is getting petrol from Mozambique and South Africa—limited quantities, at a very high cost. On the question of methods by which we can stop it or some of it, consideration is always being given to this by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and myself and we do not fail to take any action which would result in a lessening of the supply of this product.
§ 22. Mr. Huntasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to establish contact with the Rhodesian Constitutional Association and other bodies representing moderate opinion in Rhodesia.
§ Mr. BowdenI naturally make every effort to keep informed of all shades of opinion in Rhodesia, including the views of the Rhodesia Constitutional Association.
§ Mr. HuntDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree that the formation of the Rhodesian Constitutional Association is one of the most hopeful signs to have come out of that unhappy country for some time? As sanctions appear to be increasingly affecting the Rhodesian economy, will he do everything he can to encourage those of moderate views there who are seeking to persuade their fellow countrymen of the folly and futility of the policies being pursued by the Smith régime?
§ Mr. BowdenYes, Sir. I am aware of the activities of the Rhodesian Constitutional Association. In fact, on the two or three occasions when I have been in Salisbury it has been my privilege and pleasure to meet many of the gentlemen who are members of this Association. I would be very happy on any occasion, if they are in London, to see them again or to assist them in any way I can to bring about the result which I think they desire.
§ 27. Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what support those in Rhodesia seeking a return to legality are receiving from Her Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. BowdenThe restoration of legality in Rhodesia is the objective of all the measures which Her Majesty's Government, with international cooperation, have taken.
§ Mr. SteelIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the intentions of Her Majesty's Government are getting through to such people in Rhodesia in the face of censorship? Will he consider the publication of fresh literature for dissemination among people of this opinion?
§ Mr. BowdenI am prepared to consider anything that would get the views of Her Majesty's Government and of the 293 people of Britain through to Rhodesia, but one ought not to assume that nothing is being done in this respect.