Tanzania (Expelled Correspondent)

HC Deb 01 May 1974 vol 872 cc1137-9

20. Mr. Evelyn King

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a protest over the case of Mr. David Martin, correspondent to the Observer and the BBC, who was expelled from Tanzania after 10 years' work there at 24 hours' notice because of his reporting of the actions of General Amin of Uganda.

Miss Joan Lestor

No, Sir. We naturally regret the short notice which was given to Mr. Martin, and our High Commissioner tried unsuccessfully to obtain an extension of this time limit. We cannot, however, challenge the right of a sovereign Government to expel an alien.

Mr. King

Is the hon. Lady aware that this is not the first time that the Government of Tanzania have behaved towards a British subject in a manner which is a little less than civilised? Is it not time that we made known our views? Does the Under-Secretary accept that when Governments do this kind of thing the attitude of the Foreign Office towards an offending Government should show no discrimination as between Left-wing Governments and Right-wing Governments?

Miss Lestor

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman. I want to reassure him that there is no question of discrimination against Left-wing Governments, Right-wing Governments or any other kind of Government. It is a fact, however we deplore it, that neither the Tanzanian authorities nor any other Government have to explain why they have expelled an alien. There is very little we can do about that, however concerned we may be.

Mr. Wall

Is it not a fact that the number of journalists and others who have been expelled from African territories is increasing and is rapidly becoming a standard which is undermining good relations with this country? Will the Minister make a protest and tell High Commissioners to stand up for the rights of British subjects?

Miss Lestor

I am honestly not absolutely certain whether the number of journalists and others being expelled has increased. If the hon. Gentleman would like to put down a Question on this subject, I shall certainly answer and take up his other comments.

Mr. John Mendelson

Will my hon. Friend accept that we are perfectly entitled to go a good deal further than she has suggested and press the President of the country concerned, who is a personal friend of many hon. Members, to be more forthcoming about giving information? Has not a bona fide correspondent a right to freedom in his reporting? Will my hon. Friend take further action in this matter?

Miss Lestor

I shall certainly bear in mind what my hon. Friend has said. If hon. Members are concerned—and there is concern about this—my hon. Friend might like to see me to discuss further what could be done.