HL Deb 27 January 1971 vol 314 cc949-50
LORD ALPORT

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

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the position of the Tangwena Tribe in Rhodesia is a subject which would be included in any negotiation between Her Majesty's Government and the Rhodesian régime.]

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE, FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIAN)

My Lords, the position of the Tangwena Tribe gives cause for concern, and any settlement with Rhodesia will have to include progress towards ending racial discrimination. But I am sure my noble friend would agree that it would not be helpful at this stage to specify what subjects would be covered in any negotiations which may take place.

LORD ALPORT

My Lords, may I ask my noble friend to make sure, when the time comes and an opportunity for dealing with this matter arises, that the extraordinary courage and tenacity of the Chief and his people will be borne in mind, to their credit, in the hope of getting an honourable solution to this small but important problem in future relations with Rhodesia?

THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIAN

My Lords, of course I can give that undertaking. I am quite sure that matters of this sort, including the one that my noble friend has mentioned, will be taken into account.

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