HC Deb 22 January 1968 vol 757 cc29-31
30. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of Suite for Foreign Affairs what representations he has had about modifica tions to the arms ban on South Africa; and what reply he has sent.

Mr. George Brown

I have nothing to add to the statement made to the House by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 18th December—[Vol. 756, c. 926]—and the speech made by my right hon. Friend the First Secretary of State on 19th December.—[Vol. 756, c. 1152–8.]

Mr. Wall

Was any hint given to the South African authorities that the arms ban would be re-examined in 1968? How many jobs have been lost through the revolt of the Left-wing, which prevented this re-examination?

Mr. Brown

I do not think that the second part of the question arises at all. The South Africans know that they are quite free to buy things here, but we, like everybody else, are bound—if we recognise any moral obligations at all—to observe the resolutions of the United Nations, for which, if I might remind the hon. Gentleman his Government voted.

Mr. Maclennan

Would my right hon. Friend include in any replies which he may consider sending to the South African Government the strongest representation about the present trial of 25 South-West Africans there and express the repugnance of the whole of this country to this monstrous travesty of justice and denial of human rights?

Sir Alec Douglas-Home

Does not the right hon. Gentleman recollect that our representative at the United Nations was specifically instructed by the last Government to exempt arms for the external defence of the sea routes of South Africa? Was that not a wise precaution and does he not agree that, with this lifeline to Europe now coming around the Cape of Good Hope, we should take precautions to protect it in all circumstances against interference?

Mr. Brown

My predecessor, the right hon. Gentleman, for whom I have a great admiration, managed on that occasion to face both ways at once, which is something which I cannot do.

Mr. Orme

What evidence has my right hon. Friend that the Opposition and leading businessmen in this country are reassuring the South Africans that they would resume negotiations and arms sales to them? Would he deprecate such action in this matter?

Mr. Brown

As I see no chance of this Government going out of office, I do not see how the question arises.

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