HC Deb 15 January 1980 vol 976 cc1407-9
1. Mr. Buck

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement concerning the deployment of British forces in Zimbabwe-Rhodesia.

The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr. Francis Pym)

A rapid airlift of Service personnel and equipment from the United Kingdom was undertaken by the Royal Air Force, with help from the United States Air Force, immediately after the signing of the ceasefire agreement. Monitoring teams have now been deployed throughout Rhodesia to observe and report on the maintenance of the ceasefire. The total strength of the organisation is currently about 1,450 Service personnel from Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Kenya and Fiji.

I would like to take this opportunity of paying a tribute to the professionalism of these Service men, their high morale and the courage and initiative with which they have undertaken this unique and demanding task.

Mr. Buck

I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer. Is he aware that he carries the whole House with him in his tribute to our armed forces, who, I am sure, will display the same humanity, courage and resolution that they have shown in Northern Ireland? Will he assure the House that the support, logistic and otherwise, that is necessary for our armed forces to undertake that almost impossible task will be forthcoming from our resources and those of our allies, should that be necessary?

Mr. Pym

I am grateful to my hon. and learned Friend for his remarks. I can give him the assurance that he asked for.

Mr. Newens

What are the latest instructions to British forces for dealing with guerrilla units that have not gone to the agreed assembly points? What steps is the Minister taking to prevent further clashes and casualties which could arise when former Muzorewa Government security forces meet guerrilla units?

Mr. Pym

It is the role of the force from the Commonwealth to monitor ceasefire activities, under the direction of the Governor. Thus far they have achieved that objective remarkably successfully.

Mr. Alan Clark

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that the forces in Rhodesia are adequately armed to deal with any contingency that may arise?

Mr. Pym

Because their role is to monitor the ceasefire, they are armed only for their personal protection.

Mr. Robert Hughes

Does the Minister agree that, if there was a close liaison with the Government to make sure that British forces were on the spot to monitor what the Rhodesian security forces are doing, they would be better able to do their job? Is not the killing of guerrillas who were seeking to give up fighting to be deplored?

Mr. Pym:

I am sure that the hon. Gentleman knows that the monitoring force was not in any way involved in that incident. The degree of co-operation and liaison that has been achieved is expressed by the results so far. I would not like the House to be under any illusion that the exercise that the armed forces are engaged in is other than extremely demanding and hazardous. We hope that it will be carried through to a successful conclusion.

Mr. Cyril D. Townsend

I welcome the help given by the Americans, but may I ask whether the size and type of assistance given by the American airlift suggests that our own airlift capabilities have been run down rather too fast?

Mr. Pym

We are very grateful for the help that we received from the United States Air Force. I must point out that about two-thirds of the sorties that were required to move the stores were undertaken by the RAF and slightly more than one-third by the USAF. It would have been possible for the RAF to carry out the whole exercise but it would have taken longer. Clearly, timing was the essence of the exercise and therefore we were grateful for the assistance of the USAF which enabled the movement of troops to be completed so quickly.

Mr. Concannon

I agree with the Secretary of State about the monitoring force, which has a unique and demanding role. I would not wish to make it any harder or more demanding. Is the Secretary of State aware that some of us are a little worried about the South African forces at the Beitbridge? Is there any way in which this anomalous and indefensible situation can be righted, even if it means more work for the monitoring forces?

Mr. Pym

That is really a matter for the Governor and, in so far as it affects this House, for my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal. Clearly, this is an important matter which has been fully considered, as have all aspects of the issue. A certain view has been taken by the Governor, and I cannot add anything to that.

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