§ Q2. Mr. Molloyasked the Prime Minister if he will make a further statement on Rhodesia.
§ The Prime MinisterI have nothing to add to the reply by my right hon. Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary to a question by the hon. Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall) on 24th March.
§ Mr. MolloyWill my right hon. Friend acknowledge that in comparison with other parts of the world where we have administrative responsibility and where there has been a minor misdemeanour recently, this rebel régime in Rhodesia has been getting away with murder, and that the present lull is a dangerous situation which could lead to conflagration in Africa and possibly endanger world peace unless we strive to find a solution?
§ The Prime MinisterThere is a continuing danger of conflagration in Africa, as has been acknowledged by many hon. Members, as long as there is no settlement which fulfils the principles which the House has laid down. My hon. Friend will be aware that the "Fearless" terms are available to be picked up, and in any constitutional controversy in Rhodesia they remain as the standing alternative to some of the totally unacceptable and apartheid-based proposals which have been canvassed in that country.
§ Mr. RoseIn view of the alacrity with which we acted in Anguilla, and because of the unfavourable comparisons which are being made, will my right hon. Friend say how long he intends this business to go on, and whether he will 651 place a time-limit on the "Fearless" proposals?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not know whether he intended it, but the implication of my hon. Friend's question appears to be that the use of force after a considerable period of time and a rejection of the "Fearless" terms would be justified. I have never accepted that, and I refer my hon. Friend to what my right hon. Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary said on this matter. It would be a recipe for a much more certain and wider conflagration in Southern Africa.