§ 3. Mr. Radiceasked the Lord Privy Seal what recent discussions have been held with the United States Government on the co-ordination of policy towards Central America.
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Nicholas Ridley)Although we discuss Central America regularly with the United States Government, there is no co-ordination of policy.
§ Mr. RadiceBut is it not time that the Government dissociated themselves from the American Administration's support for the regime in El Salvador, particularly when 60 civilians are being killed every day, mostly by the security and paramilitary forces? Should not the Government display a more friendly attitude towards Nicaragua, and would it not encourage a more independent view by the Government if they opened embassies in both El Salvador and Nicaragua?
§ Mr. RidleyWe believe that everyone should encourage the holding of elections in El Salvador in March 1982, which is President Duarte's present plan. It is 304 disappointing that the guerrillas have apparently been burning town halls to destroy the electoral registers, but we still believe that those elections are the best solution to the problem in that country.
The hon. Gentleman asked about opening embassies in Nicaragua and El Salvador. In the latter case, we still judge it not to be safe, and in the former case we do not have sufficient funds.
§ Mr. Robert AtkinsIs my hon. Friend satisfied with the progress of discussions about the constitutional future of Belize, and can he say how those discussions are progressing?
§ Mr. RidleyYes, Sir. The constitution will be available shortly. The draft constitution is available now, if my hon. Friend would care to see it. We had further discussions this morning with the Premier of Belize, who is in London, and further announcements will be made at the weekend about the progress towards independence.
§ Mr. NewensDoes the Minister agree that the Somoza family, which for many years enjoyed the full support of the United States of America, was responsible for frustrating any opportunity of holding free elections in Nicaragua? As the hon. Gentleman is rightly concerned about free elections, does he not consider that, now that the Somoza regime has gone, we ought to provide more support for the new Government? Will he reconsider the question of aid? Will he also reconsider opening an embassy in Nicaragua, particularly since the Nicaraguans propose to send a full-time ambassador to London?
§ Mr. RidleyIn the light of the accent that the hon. Gentleman puts upon free elections, I hope that he will join me in urging free elections upon both sides in El Salvador. Perhaps he would also use his considerable weight with the junta in Nicaragua to urge that they hold free elections, too.