§ 10. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he is aware that African guerilla fighters are planning to infiltrate into Rhodesia; and what information he has on the assistance being given to them.
§ Mr. George ThomsonI am well aware of the risks of continued violence in Rhodesia so long as the present unconstitutional situation persists. As regards the information available to me, I have nothing to add to what my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said in answer to Questions on 7th May.— [Vol. 764, c. 212–14.]
§ Mr. WallAs Her Majesty's Government claim to rule Rhodesia, is it not their duty to prevent this incursion? Will the Secretary of State say categorically that no help, either direct or indirect, is being given or will be given to these guerrillas?
§ Mr. ThomsonI can say categorically that no help is being given to guerrillas. We stand opposed to violence, for the reasons I have just described to the right hon. Member for Streatham (Mr. Sandys).
§ Mr. Hugh JenkinsIs it not my right hon. Friend's desire that the illegal regime in Rhodesia should be overthrown, and does he not welcome any help he can get to this end?
§ Mr. ThomsonIt is our desire to see peaceful progress towards majority rule restored in Rhodesia. We attach the highest importance, not only in the interest of Rhodesia, but in the interest of so many African countries, to seeing that achieved by peaceful means and not by violent means.