§ 2.43 p.m.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy 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 what is their attitude towards the report of the Secretary-General of the United Nations on the negotiations between Dr. Escher and Mr. Vorster on the future of Namibia (South West Africa).
§ THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIANMy Lords, we hope that the report will prove to be a first step towards a negotiated settlement on the basis of genuine self-determination; and that the Security 1247 Council, which is at present considering the matter, will agree that contacts should continue between the United Nations Secretary-General and the South African Government.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, while thanking the noble Marquess for that Answer, may I ask whether the Government will reconsider their passive and negative attitude on this issue and plan positive action to secure the integrity of the territory, the right of its people to unity and their right to self determination and eventual independence?
§ THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIANMy Lords, as I said in my original reply, we hope that this report, which certainly has some encouraging aspects about it, will lead to genuine self determination, which, of course, is the prerequisite of any further decisions regarding the territory.
§ LORD CARADONMy Lords, will the noble Marquess tell us whether British policy continues to be based on the principle that the South African Government have forfeited the right to administer the mandate in Namibia?
§ THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIANMy Lords, the noble Lord will no doubt remember that the opinion of the International Court, which Her Majesty's Government did not accept, was that the mandate has been forfeited. But I do not think that the noble Lord would disagree with the fact that, whatever he may think or whatever other countries may think, South Africa in practice still has control of the territory. That is why I think that the approach which is going on at the moment has very hopeful and positive aspects. I repeat that I only hope that the United Nations will allow the Secretary-General to continue seeking a solution in this matter.
§ LORD CARADONMy Lords. I hope that the noble Marquess will not object if I press this Question. It has been stated—I have stated it myself on behalf of this country at the United Nations—that in our opinion the South African Government have forfeited the right to administer the mandate. May I ask whether we have now abandoned that opinion?
§ THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIANMy Lords, I do not think I can go any 1248 further than I did in my answer to the noble Lord's previous supplementary question. I will certainly draw the attention of my right honourable friend to what he has said.
§ LORD BARNBYMy Lords, reverting to the original Question and Answer, would not my noble friend agree that, because of its ethnological variety, the fact that tribes are entirely different from each other in language, traditions and history, it is much more difficult to find a solution in South West Africa than in any other part of South Africa?
§ THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIANMy Lords, as my noble friend is well aware, problems in Africa are always extremely difficult, and this is no exception. I would repeat that Her Majesty's Government hope that a solution will be found to the problem of this particular territory on the basis of self determination for its inhabitants.
§ LORD CARADONMy Lords, may I further ask whether the principle which has been repeatedly stated in the United Nations on behalf of this country, that there should be an advance to self determination and independence as one undivided territory, is still the policy of Her Majesty's Government?
§ THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIANMy Lords, I should require definite notice of that question; but I believe that I can assure the noble Lord that that is the case and that this territory will be treated as a single whole.
§ LORD CARADONMy Lords, I wish to ask a further question. May we take it that in order to achieve the purposes of self determination and independence which have been stated on behalf of this Government, it is the intention that mounting pressure should be exerted on the South African Government?
§ THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIANMy Lords, I think that the United Nations is fully seized of this matter and that we fully support the action they have taken so far.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, reverting to the supplementary question put from the Benches opposite, may I ask whether it is not the case that, despite the ethnic differences in South West 1249 Africa, the representatives of the tribes have asked for independence on a basis of unity?
§ THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIANMy Lords, the noble Lord has the advantage of me in this matter. I will not disagree with what he has said; but I will certainly look into it.