§ 9. Mr. Winnickasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the public statement by the British Ambassador to South Africa in Capetown on 14th January, 1970, on Anglo-South African friendship, in which he remarked on anti-apartheid demonstrations in the United Kingdom, was made with his authority.
§ Mr. FoleyHer Majesty's Ambassador's remarks in Capetown on 14th January were in reply to questions from reporters who boarded his ship on arrival. In such circumstances the Secretary of State's prior authority is not required.
§ Mr. WinnickIs my hon. Friend aware that this speech seems to have given the impression that anti-apartheid activities in Britain were undesirable? Should not the Ambassador now be told that this type of statement from him is not required as part of his duties in South Africa?
§ Mr. FoleyThe Ambassador's remarks were not reported in full. I assure my hon. Friend that our Ambassador is fully aware of the Government's policies on apartheid and that his task, of which he is aware, is to propagate and to fulfil the obligations placed upon him by Her Majesty's Government.