HC Deb 12 November 1970 vol 806 c600
Q10. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Prime Minister what reply he made to the letter from Mr. Odin Langen and other United States Congressmen urging the lifting of sanctions against Rhodesia.

Mr. Maudling

I have been asked to reply.

A copy of this correspondence has been placed in the Library of the House.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Were not these Congressmen concerned that sanctions have meant Western dependence upon Soviet chrome? Is it not a fact that much of this Soviet chrome originated in Rhodesia?

Mr. Maudling

I am aware of the concern of these Congressmen and, as I say, the correspondence has been placed in the Library.

Mr. Healey

Will the Deputy Prime Minister accept that, although we welcome the Government's decision to maintain sanctions before and during possible negotiations with the Smith régime, there is no chance whatever that these negotiations will be successful unless the Government make it clear that, failing success, the sanctions will continue after the negotiations?

Mr. Maudling

These issues were dealt with very thoroughly in the recent debate.