§ 22. Mr. Brooksasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs whether he will initiate discussions with Zambia to explore the possibilities of signing a treaty of mutual assistance with that country.
§ Mr. WhitlockI am not persuaded that this would be a desirable course.
§ Mr. BrooksDoes my hon. Friend agree that in the absence of any formal defence commitment between this country and Zambia the time has now come for an urgent reappraisal of our policy, particularly in the light of possible military adventures across the Zambesi by the Smith régime, or perhaps by its freelance supporters?
§ Mr. WhitlockWe have no reason to believe that there is any possibility of a military incursion across the Zambesi. Although we have in the past received requests from Zambia for defence aid, and the Zambian Government are known to be concerned at their vulnerability to hostile acts from neighbouring countries, they have not raised with us any question of a mutual assistance treaty, and we have no reason to believe that they would wish to discuss one.
§ Mr. John LeeBut if the Rhodesians decide to add invasion to their treason shall we come to the assistance of the Zambian Government?
§ Mr. WhitlockAs I said, we have no reason to believe that Zambia is likely to be subjected to external attack. If it were the victim of unprovoked aggression Her Majesty's Government would take whatever appropriate and practical action is possible in the circumstances.
§ Mr. WallWhat are Her Majesty's Government doing to prevent invasion the other way round, namely, military incursions from Zambia into Rhodesia?
§ Mr. WhitlockThese incursions take place quite unofficially. There is no reason to believe that the Zambians, who are concerned with not provoking retaliation from others, should support these at all. The hon. Gentleman will be perfectly aware that the sheer size and physical nature of the borders make 1067 it impossible for the security forces in Zambia constantly to keep an eye on the borders.