LESOTHO ADMINISTRATION AND BRITISH RELATIONS (Hansard, 18 February 1970)

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

§ LORD SHEPHERD
My Lords, as soon as it became clear during the week-end of January 30-February 1 that what had occurred in Lesotho amounted to a seizure of power—as was indeed admitted by Chief Jonathan—Her Majesty's Government took immediate steps to make it clear that British/Lesotho relations could not continue as though nothing had happend and that the question of our relations with any new Government would have to be decided in accordance with our normal criteria for the recognition of new regimes. The British High Commissioner was promptly instructed to restrict his contacts with the Lesotho authorities to the official level and to necessary dealings affecting the safety of the British community and other interests for which he is responsible.
United Kingdom citizens serving as members of the Lesotho police have contracts with the Government of Lesotho and are not subject to withdrawal by the British Government. As regards British aid to Lesotho, it has been made clear that this is one aspect of our relations which has to be reviewed in the light of recent events. As regards the position of the King and members of the Opposition in Lesotho who are under arrest, I can confirm that their position is certainly one of the factors which we shall have to take into account in reaching a decision on the future of British/ Lesotho relations.

§ LORD BROCKWAY
My Lords, while welcoming that very full reply, may I ask whether it is not the case that while the Commissioner of Police and the Commander of Mobile Police—who have been responsible for carrying out these illegal arrests—are British but employed by the Lesotho authorities, their salaries are actually paid for by aid given from this country in the overseas aid programme? Will the British Government use their influence in relation to aid for these matters, to try to bring about a solution of this problem which will enable constitutional government to be reinstated?

§ LORD SHEPHERD
My Lords, the noble Lord again raises a dilemma. Lesotho is an independent country, and the extent to which the United Kingdom Government should be involved in the internal affairs of another country is something which it is difficult to judge. 1150 In regard to the police, the officers there are British subjects but they are under contract with the Lesotho Government. The only area in which the British Government are involved is that under the Overseas Service Aid Scheme agreement they provide supplementry salaries.

§ LORD BROCKWAY
My Lords, is my noble friend aware that I thought the balance of his original reply was excellent? Is he also aware that I say that because I do not regard the balance of his second reply as so excellent? Does he not agree that, despite the appeal for no violence of the Leader of the Opposition Party who has been imprisoned, surrounded by South Africa, as Lesotho is, there could be a very dangerous situation? In those circumstances, may I ask that Her Majesty's Government will use all their influence to try to bring this situation to an end without that potential danger being realised?

§ LORD SHEPHERD
My Lords, I must say that I shall be a little concerned when I get back into my office, in view of the fact that my noble friend found my original Answer excellent. I say that because that is the one which my office wrote for me. But I hope that the situation is not dangerous, although it is certainly difficult. Chief Jonathan is aware of our own strong views on the action that he has taken, but it is an internal matter and I think it is for those in Lesotho to find a solution.

§ THE EARL OF DUNDEE
My Lords, has it not always been our practice to recognise any Government which satisfies us that it is in effective control of the country concerned—perhaps after a period of time—whether we approve or disapprove of its conduct?

§ LORD SHEPHERD
Yes, my Lords. But there are two other provisos—and perhaps the noble Earl should be reminded of them—whether the régime in power has the obedience of the mass of the community; and whether it has a reasonable prospect of retaining control of that territory. That is the area in which we have not yet been satisfied.

§ LORD WADE
My Lords, is the noble Lord in a position to say what other countries, if any, have recognised the new régime?

§ LORD SHEPHERD
My Lords, I think only South Africa, who have said that their relations are now normal.

§ LORD WELLS-PESTELL
My Lords, can my noble friend tell me what has happened to the judiciary there? When the Constitution was suspended, were the courts suspended from functioning also?

§ LORD SHEPHERD
My Lords, I think the courts are still in operation. I say that with qualification, and I shall look into it.