§ 15. Mr. Alexander W. Lyonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement about the sale of arms to South Africa in addition to Her Majesty's Government's legal obligations.
§ Sir Alec Douglas-HomeI have nothing to add to what my right hon. Friend the Minister of State told the House on 19th April.—[Vol. 815, c. 803–4.]
§ Mr. LyonBut, in addition to the speculation about the sale of frigates, there have now been reports that the South African Government wish to obtain certain kinds of equipment, like radar and so on. Is there any truth in this speculation? Has any order been received from the South African Government? Has any application been received that they should be allowed to have licences for such equipment?
§ Sir Alec Douglas-HomeNo, Sir.
§ Mr. Evelyn KingWould my right hon. Friend agree that, in view of what is now happening in Ceylon, the necessity for the closest association with South Africa within the defence context is re-emphasised and that the wisdom of the policy which he has adopted is increasingly evident?
§ Sir Alec Douglas-HomeIt is certainly the case that when Mrs. Bandaranaike asked us for immediate help for her Government in relation to insurgency in Ceylon, we were able to produce it from Singapore.
§ Mr. Frank AllaunAs there is no legal obligation to supply further arms to South Africa, could we be given an undertaking that we will not do so?
§ Sir Alec Douglas-HomeThere is no legal obligation, but the hon. Gentleman cannot have an undertaking.