§ Mr. Alportasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of recent developments in the Sudan, he will state Her Majesty's Government's policy for safeguarding the interests and future prospects of British officials in the Sudan.
§ Mr. Tilneyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what guarantees are being given by Her Majesty's Government to present members of the Sudan Civil Service so that their skill and knowledge can remain available for the benefit of the Sudan.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydHer Majesty's Government recognise the great value of the loyal services rendered to the Sudan by British officials during the past 50 years. They realise that the policy of Sudanisation which has been pursued by the Sudan Government for many years past will now proceed at an accelerated rate, and that the consequent uncertainty must cause great anxiety to British officials.
Her Majesty's Government believe that any Sudanese Government will want to deal fairly with their officials, though it is impossible at this stage to predict what arrangements will be made to safeguard their interests. It will, of course, be a matter of close concern to Her Majesty's Government that they should receive fair treatment, and, in particular, that those who continue to serve the 256W Sudan during this difficult transitional period, should not be prejudiced thereby.
The extent to which their skill and knowledge will remain available to the Sudan will depend to a great extent on the views of the Sudanisation Committee and of future Sudanese Governments. Meanwhile, Her Majesty's Government are investigating the problem of reemploying those who leave.