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§ Mr. Clinton Davis (Hackney, Central)I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 9, for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration, namely,
the policy of Her Majesty's Government concerning the reference to the United Nations Security Council by the Government of Nicaragua of the threat to the security of that country and to peace in central America posed by armed insurgents based in Honduras.The matter is specific and important because warnings have been issued by the Government of Nicaragua over the past few days that war with Honduras may be imminent as a result of the penetration of Nicaragua by many hundreds of heavily armed counter-revolutionaries, many of whom appear to be former Somoza national guardsmen based in Honduras and armed and trained, so it is alleged, by the United States and Honduras.Some confirmation of the position has been provided by the counter-revolutionary Nicaraguan Democratic Front, which has claimed that a number of towns in the Matagalpa region have fallen to it, although these claims are dismissed by the Nicaraguan Government. The counter-revolutionaries have called for the deposing of the Nicaraguan Government and recognition by "friendly Governments".
The matter is urgent because, unless defused, the situation could escalate to war between Honduras and Nicaragua and could well engulf large parts of central America. It is urgent, moreover, because, since the Nicaraguan Government have referred the matter to the United Nations Security Council, Her Majesty's Government, as a member of the Security Council, will have to make significant decisions, either in support of or in opposition to the case presented by Nicaragua. This will have to be done within a matter of days.
Having regard to the heavily prejudiced stance already taken by the Government against Nicaragua, it is vital that 874 the House be given the opportunity to hear from the Government so as to determine whether they are making an independent judgment of these matters or are prepared to act as a timid acolyte of the United States Secondly, it is vital that the House should express its point of view on a matter of such moment and, above all, well in advance of the Security Council's debate.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member for Hackney, Central (Mr. Davis) gave me notice before 12 o'clock midday that he would seek leave to move the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 9 this afternoon for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration, namely,
the policy of Her Majesty's Government concerning the reference to the United Nations Security Council by the Government of Nicaragua of the threat to the security of that country and to peace in central America posed by armed insurgents based in Honduras.As the House knows, under Standing Order No. 9 1 am directed to take into account the several factors set out in the order but to give no reason for my decision.I have listened carefully to the hon. Gentleman's representations but I must rule that his submission does not fall within the provisions of the Standing Order. Therefore, I cannot submit his application to the House.