Namibia

HC Deb 16 July 1975 vol 895 cc1480-1

6. Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he intends to visit Namibia in the near future.

Mr. Rowlands

No, Sir.

Mr. Hooley

Does my hon. Friend agree that a heavy responsibility for the solution of the problem of Namibia and South Africa's refusal to relinquish its illegal occupation of that territory rests with South Africa's major diplomatic and economic supporters, of which this country is one? What actions are the Government proposing to take to bring further effective pressure on South Africa to obey the rulings of the International Court, the Security Council and the General Assembly of the United Nations?

Mr. Rowlands

We take every opportunity to bring home to the South African Government our feelings on the matter. My right hon. Friend the Minister of State emphasised the importance which we attach to the full freedom of Namibia in his recent discussions with the South African Foreign Minister.

Mr. Wall

Is the Minister aware that there is to be a constitutional conference on the future of Namibia this year, at which each of the racial groups will be represented by two members, which will settle the future of that State on either a federal or confederal basis?

Mr. Rowlands

My right hon. Friend expressed to the South African Government our view that the political constitutional changes proposed do not go far enough.

Mr. Luard

Is it not a fact that the British Government, together with the Governments of the United States and France, have taken considerable political risk in vetoing a recent resolution at the Security Council on this question? Would not that give us substantial leverage with the South African Government? Are the Government using their influence accordingly to seek to bring about a solution which will provide not merely for constitutional advance, but for independence for the territory as a whole, as the United Nations has demanded?

Mr. Rowlands

That is our attitude and view. We shall take every opportunity to express that viewpoint. We could not support the resolution, because of the reference to Chapter 7 and what would have flown from it. Nevertheless, we will take any initiative to ensure that the full constitutional and political progress of this territory is guaranteed.

Mr. Eldon Griffiths

The hon. Gentleman referred to the United Nations' demand for independence for Namibia as a whole. Will he have regard to the fact that as between the Ovambo people and the other racial groups there is by no mean unanimity about this? Does he recognise that self-determination for the various racial groups may in some circumstances conflict with the suggestion of a single Namibian State?

Mr. Rowlands

It is for the people themselves to decide on all political and racial matters within the territory.