HC Deb 11 December 1962 vol 669 c30W
36. Mr. Goodhew

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government regarding the future of the Gambia.

Mr. Sandys

At the joint request of the Senegalese and British Governments, the Secretary-General of the U.N. has agreed to send a team of experts to examine the possibilities of association between the Gambia and Senegal.

After the receipt of the experts' report the Government of the Gambia propose to hold discussions with the Government of Senegal.

I have informed the Premier of the Gambia that if, in the light of the experts' report, a satisfactory basis for association between the two countries can be worked out, Her Majesty's Government will be prepared to grant independence to the Gambia so that she may conclude the necessary agreement with Senegal as a sovereign nation.

Forward to