§ Q7. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Prime Minister what is the result of his investigation into allegations that British passports have been issued to terrorists engaged in subversive activity against Rhodesia.
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer the hon. Gentleman to the Answer I gave on 11th June to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Fife, West (Mr. William Hamilton).—[Vol. 766, c. 27.]
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonHas the right hon. Gentleman discovered how many passports have been issued to persons so that they may travel to Russia, China, Algeria and such-like countries for the purpose of being trained for guerrilla warfare against Rhodesia?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. It is not possible to make such an estimate. In the cases publicised in the Daily Express a month ago, to which I referred 243 at the time, it was the regime which provided the men with illegal travel documents. Our policy is to deny them to known terrorists; and any information about known terrorists would lead to a failure to issue passports, which are, in any event, issued in the first instance for six months.
§ Mr. John LeeWill my right hon. Friend withdraw the passports of those who have given aid and comfort to those who are committing treason in Rhodesia?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. The general position in regard to passports has been debated in the House, and it was the subject of a statement made by my right hon. Friend last week.
Mr. Gresham CookeHow is it established whether a political refugee from Rhodesia is or is not going to be a terrorist?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is the difficulty. There have been allegations made by Mr. Smith that some of those who have been granted passports, including those given travel documents by him, have turned out to be terrorists. We will look into any case that is drawn to our attention, but it is impossible to say that a man who can prove that he is a British citizen looks like or does not look like a terrorist; that is, unless one has evidence about him.
§ Mr. SpeakerMr. Faulds. [Interruption.]
§ Mr. FauldsI always welcome that sort of opposition. Would it not be wiser, to expedite the solution of the Southern Rhodesia problem, for us to take the necessary military action ourselves or aid and arm those who are willing to do the fighting? Is this not now the only way of preventing a racial war along the Zambesi?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. I certainly do not take the view that this should be settled by force on our part, and I do not believe that there will be any lasting solution for Rhodesia based on force on either side there.