Mr. Simbule

HC Deb 24 October 1967 vol 751 cc1485-6

13. Mr. Biffen

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what representations have been made to the Zambian Government on the suitability of Mr. Simbule continuing as High Commissioner in London.

23. Mr. Blaker

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what action the Government intend to take with regard to the continued public criticisms of Her Majesty's Government by Mr. Alinan Simbule, the High Commissioner for Zambia.

Mr. George Thomson

I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. and learned Member for Antrim, South (Sir Knox Cunningham) on 23rd October.

Mr. Biffen

Is it not clear from that reply that 10 weeks have elapsed since Mr. Simbule again made derogatory remarks about the British Government in London and in Nairobi? Is not the Government's attitude not so much one of tolerance but of craven indulgence, and is it not time that Mr. Simbule was sent packing?

Mr. Thomson

No, I do not think so. The fact is that Mr. Simbule has not been in London since the remarks to which the hon. Member is referring were made, which is two and a half months ago, except when in transit to his present post in New York. I think it is better to leave this matter to be resolved through the normal diplomatic channels.

Mr. Blaker

Is it not a fact that 10 weeks have elapsed since the Zambian Government were asked for an explanation of Mr. Simbule's latest remarks? How long do the Government propose to wait for a reply?

Mr. Thomson

I think it is better to deal with this matter in the way in which it is being dealt with, through normal diplomatic channels.

Sir C. Mott-Radclyffe

Can the Minister think of another previous example of any High Commissioner or ambassador accredited here or anywhere else who has been allowed to remain in his post after expressing the kind of view and using the kind of language that Mr. Simbule has used about the Government to which he is accredited?

Mr. Thomson

I appreciate the feeling on this matter, which is not confined to one side of this House or to one party, but I remind the hon. Member that Mr. Simbule has not been in his post since he left on 12th August. I think it would be in the best interests of relations between Zambia and Britain, which are of great importance, that we should deal with this matter in the way in which I am suggesting.