§ 20. Mr. Thorpeasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what date Her Majesty's Government gave the agrément for the new Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to the Court of St. James.
§ 1. Mr. Leslie Huckfieldasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many representations he has received from hon. Members about his approval of the appointment of a new ambassador from South Africa to the United Kingdom.
§ Lord BalnielTwo hon. Members have made representation on behalf of constituents, about Dr. de Wet's appointment, approval for which was, on my right hon. Friend's recommendation, given by Her Majesty The Queen on 7th July.
§ Mr. ThorpeWill the right hon. Gentleman confirm that there is always 903 discretion in every Government as to who will be accepted as an ambassador to the Court of St. James? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that two months ago Dr. de Wet was dropped from the Cabinet of Dr. Vorster partly because he was involved in commercial undertakings in respect of which a private criminal prosecution might be brought against him? We know that this Government will go to great limits to curry favour with South Africa, but is there no limit to the extent to which we will go to allow this country to become a dumping ground for those persons who are a political embarrassment to South Africa? Have we no self-respect left?
§ Lord BalnielI reject completely the hypothesis on which the right hon. Gentleman has put that question. I understand that Dr. de Wet has denied the allegations. Beyond that it would not be appropriate to comment.
§ Sir R. CaryMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether he is aware that no British Government curry favour with a Government abroad?
§ Lord BalnielYes, Sir. My hon. Friend is quite correct.
§ Mr. Robert HughesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Dr. de Wet has been a bitter critic of an ex-Prime Minister of this country—
§ Sir F. BennettSo has Cecil King.
§ Mr. Hughes—Mr. Harold Macmillan—and has also made very bitter criticisms of the BBC, as I have no doubt Mr. Cecil King has? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware, further, that Dr. de Wet has said that the existing law in South Africa dealing with sabotage—which allows people to be condemned to death—is too mild? How can such a person be regarded as a fit ambassador to the Court of St. James?
§ Lord BalnielI understand that Dr. de Wet is alleged to have made some statement about the Labour Party before he last served as South African ambassador in London from 1964 to 1967. Those years were under a Labour Administration. I am sure that he has sufficient experience to know what is appropriate as a diplomatic representative in another country.