§ Q2. Mr. Rifkindasked the Prime Minister whether he will now pay an official visit to Rhodesia.
§ Mr. RifkindIs the Lord President aware of the growing concern that the détente in Central Africa is going a bit sour with the continuation of terrorist and counter-terrorist activities in Rhodesia? Does he accept that the time has now come to consider reopening a British diplomatic presence in Salisbury, at the level that existed several years after UDI, to ensure that a British direct relationship continues or is reopened with both European and African opinion in the country?
Mr. ShortWhether we could have observers in Salisbury is another matter. My right hon. Friend has been in touch with Mr. Smith and the Africans in Rhodesia since his statement in the House. However, at present I am afraid that I have nothing further to say beyond the statement issued today on the matter.
§ Mr. HooleyDoes my right hon. Friend agree that we are likely to get a satisfactory settlement in Rhodesia only by uncompromising opposition to racial policies—whether in Rhodesia or in South Africa itself—and that we must intensify our pressures on Rhodesia and on South Africa to that end?
Mr. ShortI agree with the first part of my hon. Friend's question. On the second part, sanctions must obviously be maintained.