HC Deb 18 December 1974 vol 883 cc1558-9
9. Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will raise in the United Nations Security Council the threat to peace in Southern Africa arising from new military bases set up in Namibia by South Africa at Grootfontein, Unono, Ondangua airport, Ruacana, and Een-hana in Oliavango.

Miss Joan Lestor

No, Sir.

Mr. Hooley

Is my hon. Friend aware that I very much welcome the unanimous resolution of the Security Council requiring South Africa to give up its illegal occupation of Namibia? Is she further aware, however, that if the United Kingdom and the United States do not exercise effective pressure on South Africa over this and related matters, the chance of a savage and bloody confrontation in southern Africa, along the lines of Mozambique and Angola, will thereby be increased?

Miss Lestor

I am very mindful of what my hon. Friend says. All I can add to it is that we have made perfectly clear to the South African Government, and publicly, that we are anxious to see early progress towards self-determination and independence, and we shall continue to support the United Nations where we can in its efforts to help the people of Namibia to achieve that.

Mr. Mather

If the Foreign Secretary wishes to influence the policy of South Africa, will he take a leaf out of the book of Dr. Banda, who made a State visit there recently and who has done more to influence South Africa's policy on apartheid than any other outside statesman has done?

Miss Lestor

My right hon. Friend has already indicated his attitude concerning a visit to South Africa. On the question of apartheid and the effectiveness of certain visits, I should like to see some results as far as a deterioration in apartheid is concerned, and I do not yet see them.

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