§ 33. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a further statement about the supply of maritime arms to South Africa.
§ Mr. GodberI have nothing to add to the statements made by my right hon. Friends and by myself on 3rd March.— [Vol. 812, c. 1719–1840.]
§ Mr. WallHave any further orders for helicopters been made or suggested by the South African Government?
§ Mr. GodberNo specific orders of any kind have yet been received by Her Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. James JohnsonHow does the right hon. Gentleman reconcile his answer to this Question with that which he gave to Question No. 31, when he said that the Government had protested about the presence of South African armed forces in Rhodesia?
§ Mr. GodberSouth African police and not armed forces are present in Rhodesia, as we understand it. We have never accepted that there is a connection between the two matters. As I explained in detail in our last debate, we look upon the question of maritime arms as purely with regard to the implementation of the 905 Simonstown Agreement, which is a matter of value to this country.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterIs it the case that firm efforts are being made by the French Government to sell to South Africa Atlantique aircraft?
§ Mr. GodberI have no knowledge of that or responsibility for it.
§ Mr. MolloyWhat communications have the Government received from Commonwealth countries about the proposed sale of arms to South Africa?
§ Mr. GodberI can add nothing on this matter to the full statements by my right hon. Friend and by myself on 3rd March. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to have further information, perhaps he will put down a Question on the Order Paper.