§ 3. Mr. Clinton Davisasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Comonwealth Affairs what message was sent by him to the Government of Haiti following the death of the late President Duvalier.
The Under-Secretary of State for Frogein and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Anthony Boyle)None, Sir. In accordance with normal protocol, Her Majesty's Ambassador to Haiti conveyed a message of condolence from Her Majesty The Queen. He also conveyed a message from my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.
§ Mr. DavisIs the hon. Gentleman aware how insensitive it was for the Government to tender such advice, enabling telegrams of condolence to be sent in these circumstances? Are the Government unaware that this man was responsible for the death and imprisonment of thousands of people, most of them innocent? How could the Government have sent a telegram of condolence?
§ Mr. RoyleI am aware of the allegations to which the hon. Gentleman refers in the latter part of his supplementary question, but it is for the Haiti Government to answer any accusations. The answer to the first part is that we do not generally indicate our approval or disapproval of foreign regimes by the maintenance or severence of diplomatic relations with them. As far as possible, we seek to remain in diplomatic relations with all countries to enable us to look after the interests of the United Kingdom and its subjects.
§ Mr. Raphael TuckWe did that with Hitler.