§ 3.12 p.m.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper. In doing so, may I just correct the name Benjamin Ramorse, which should be Benjamin Ramotse. The mistake is my fault.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have made representations to the Government of the Republic of South Africa regarding the arrest and trial of Benjamin Ramorse who alleges that he was arrested by Rhodesian troops in Botswana, forcibly abducted to Rhodesia, handed over to South African security police and taken to Pretoria.]
595§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE, FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIAN)My Lords, Mr. Ramotse claims to be a Zambian citizen and Her Majesty's Government have, therefore, no locus standi to intervene with the South African Government by reason of his personal status.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, while thanking my noble friend for that reply, may I ask him, first: if Ramotse was a Zambian citizen, was he not also a Commonwealth citizen? Secondly, was there some dispute as to whether he was arrested in Botswana or Rhodesia? Is it not the case that there is no dispute that he was arrested by Rhodesian police, whose authority we do not recognise? In view of the fact that he has been imprisoned since June, 1968, with alleged severe tortures, is it not the duty of Her Majesty's Government to make representations to the Government of South Africa against this illegal arrest by Rhodesian troops, whose authority we do not recognise under an illegal Government?
§ THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIANMy Lords, there is some doubt as to whether or not Mr. Ramotse was arrested in Botswana. My understanding is that the Government of Botswana have requested the facts of this from the South African Government. It will be for them to take what action they think they should take when they get a reply from that Government. Regarding the question of Rhodesian troops and the arrest, my understanding is that Mr. Ramotse was handed over to the South African police by the Rhodesian police, but, as I have said, until it is clearly established where this arrest took place I cannot give a more definite answer.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, is it not the case, whether he was arrested in Botswana or Rhodesia, that he was arrested by Rhodesian troops, the legal authority of whom we do not recognise, and who are in rebellion against this Government? In view of that fact, have we not the right to make representations to the South African Government against this absolutely illegal arrest?
§ THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIANMy Lords, Her Majesty's Government have no power to control the activities of Rho- 596 desian police on the ground. What we have done is to make representations to the South African Government about the presence of their police in Rhodesia, and this we shall certainly continue to do.