HC Deb 07 November 1968 vol 772 cc1075-6
Q6. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider the appointment of prominent statesmen from the old and new Commonwealth countries on the proposed Royal Commission to be appointed to test the acceptability of any new constitution for Rhodesia, when tendering his advice to Her Majesty.

Q11. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Prime Minister if he will state the progress of the Government's negotiations with Mr. Smith, of Rhodesia.

The Prime Minister

On the progress of negotiations, I have nothing at present to add to the statement I made on 1st November, 1968. On the question of a Royal Commission, I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his suggestion, but at this stage I would rather not prejudge the membership of any Royal Commission that may be set up.—[Vol. 772, c. 335–44]

Mr. Pavitt

Can my right hon. Friend reassure the House that it will be no part of the present negotiations that the personnel of such a Royal Commission will be subject to the approval of Mr. Smith, and that it would be possible for Her Majesty to appoint Mr. Kaunda as president of it without having any difficulty?

The Prime Minister

In the "Fearless" proposals we made it clear that the appointment would be ours. It would, of course, be subject to consultation with the Rhodesian régime. I do not know whether my right hon. Friend in Salisbury will be taking this matter further, but I can imagine President Kaunda himself having some reservations about the proposal my hon. Friend has made.

Mr. Hector Hughes

In view of the slow progress of these negotiations up to the present, will the Prime Minister consider asking the other members of the Commonwealth for explicit and up-to-date expressions of their opinion on the conduct of Smith?

The Prime Minister

I am not sure whether that would speed up the negotiations. Of course, although they have been slow they have to be thorough. While, no doubt, the Government could sped up negotiations by agreeing to an unacceptable settlement, we have to stand firm on the terms we have laid down.

Mr. Ian Lloyd

Has the right hon. Gentleman any idea whether the word "constitution" can be translated into the languages of the Mashona and Matabele peoples? What proportion of them are likely to understand it? How will he overcome this difficulty?

The Prime Minister

I am not an expert in those two African languages, it is true. I think that the extent to which what is proposed will affect the lives of 4 million Africans is understood by 4 million Africans. It depends in the short run on the steps taken by those in authority in Rhodesia to see that there is full and free discussion on all matters, including discussion with African Nationalists, and in the longer run, on speeding up education, so that they can understand the words which the hon. Gentleman can understand.