§ 2.52 p.m.
§ Lord BOSTON of FAVERSHAMMy 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 they will make a Statement about the talks in New York on Namibia on 11th and 12th February.
§ The MINISTER of STATE, FOREIGN and COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (Lord Goronwy-Roberts)My Lords, in New York we made further progress towards narrowing the gap between the parties. Many difficult problems remain, but we are determined to maintain the momentum to achieve the peaceful settlement of this problem which is now very nearly within our grasp.
§ Lord BOSTON of FAVERSHAMMy Lords, having thanked my noble friend for the somewhat encouraging tone of 9 the final words of that Answer, may I ask him whether there is any plan or date for a resumption of these talks; whether, during the recent talks, any progress was made as regards the size and disposition of the South African and the proposed United Nations forces; and whether any progress was made on the release of detainees and Walvis Bay?
§ Lord GORONWY-ROBERTSMy Lords, these talks will be resumed as soon as possible. Work is continuing on a consideration of the issues that were raised during the recent talks in New York. As to the points my noble friend has raised with regard to the future conditions of settlement, it would be a tragedy if disagreement about Walvis Bay prevented a settlement now on the central issue of independence. We are examining various possibilities whereby the main question can be proceeded with, possibly leaving other questions, such as Walvis Bay, for negotiation after independence. On the question of the continuing presence of South African troops, clearly this must be related to whatever the United Nations, under the direction of the Secretary-General, decide to do under Resolution 385, but one would expect that the transition stage will be marked by a presence by the United Nations and a residual and diminishing presence by South African troops. I think there was a third point which my noble friend raised. No doubt he will repeat it for my benefit.
§ Lord BOSTON of FAVERSHAMThe release of detainees, my Lords.
§ Lord GORONWY-ROBERTSYes, my Lords. I refer my noble friend to the terms of Resolution 385, which in turn formed the basis of the Five-Power talks in New York and included the return of all detainees to Namibia in good time to prepare for, and to take full part in, the free elections which are proposed in the settlement.
§ Lord BROCKWAYMy Lords, is the Minister aware that many of us are surprised and delighted by the optimistic tone of his reply? Is he aware that many of us had feared, because of the withdrawal of the South African Foreign 10 Secretary, that these discussions might now be ended? In view of that fact, is it not desirable that we should not be putting down Questions which might create difficulties; but can the Minister give us some indication as to the likelihood of a renewal of these discussions, which seem to have broken down?
§ Lord GORONWY-ROBERTSMy Lords, as I said, we shall seek to resume these Five-Power talks with all the parties concerned as soon as ever possible, and work is continuing on this basis for resumed discussions. As to my optimism, it must always be qualified, of course, by the fact that there are a number of conflicting interests involved here. Happily, progress has been made to the point where I felt justified in saying that, given reasonable goodwill by everybody, a settlement was now within our grasp. As to raising these matters, I know that my noble friend in particular will always refrain from asking Questions which may upset the delicate balance of negotiations.