HC Deb 21 July 1969 vol 787 cc1215-6
13. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will seek to recruit the services of Sir Humphrey Gibbs, after his retirement as Governor of Rhodesia, so that his experience will continue to be of use to Her Majesty's Government.

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Maurice Foley)

In announcing his resignation on 24th June, Sir Humphrey Gibbs said that he and Lady Gibbs intended to live as private citizens in Rhodesia and to do what they could to promote its future progress.

Mr. Hughes

Does not my hon. Friend realise that it will be a shocking anomaly to mark Mr. Smith's rebellion by depriving this distinguished and experienced civil servant of giving service to the State and a great loss to Britain? Will my hon. Friend see that that loss is not inflicted on us?

Mr. Foley

We have greatly valued Sir Humphrey Gibbs' courageous stand in the cause of legality in Rhodesia. There is no question of our losing touch with him. He has indicated his wish to retire as a private citizen, but I am sure that his views on Rhodesian matters will always be listened to with respect.

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