HL Deb 26 July 1965 vol 268 cc992-3

2.38 p.m.

LORD BROCKWAY

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what exchanges have taken place with the Government of Rhodesia regarding its diplomatic representation at Lisbon.]

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS AND FOR THE COLONIES (LORD TAYLOR)

My Lords, discussions between the Rhodesian Government and Her Majesty's Government about the question of Rhodesian representation at Lisbon are continuing. The details of such exchanges are, of course, confidential.

LORD BROCKWAY

My Lords, while appreciating that Answer, may I ask my noble friend whether acknowledgment of the right of the Government of Rhodesia to have diplomatic representation in Lisbon would not be a de facto recognition of its right of independence and control over foreign affairs? May we accept as a fact that Her Majesty's Government will not grant independence to Rhodesia before—in the words of the commitment of the Government—a Constitution has been accepted by the whole of the people?

LORD TAYLOR

I think that the second part of my noble friend's question was a little wide of the original Question, but, in answer to the first part, Her Majesty's Government's attitude will be governed by the need to preserve Britain's ultimate responsibility for Rhodesia's external relations and for its diplomatic representation in foreign countries.

LORD BROCKWAY

While thanking my noble friend for that additional information, may I ask how it was that the Rhodesian Government was allowed diplomatic representation in Pretoria? Did this not give a precedent which was rather dangerous?

LORD TAYLOR

My Lords, South Africa was, of course, formerly a Commonwealth country with which Rhodesia had exchanged High Commissioners. When South Africa left the Commonwealth it was agreed that in this special case Her High Commissioner should become known as the accredited diplomatic representative. This should not be taken as a precedent.