§ Q22. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Prime Minister what communication he has received from Rhodesian ex-Service men and women concerning his statement of 27th October about the consequences of a unilateral declaration of independence; and what reply he has made.
§ The Prime MinisterI have received, through the Rhodesian High Commissioner, a document signed by Rhodesian ex-Service men and women objecting to the British Government's142W statement of 27th October on the grounds that, in their view, it casts doubt on their loyalty to The Queen. In reply I have said that the British Government's statement dealt with hypothetical circumstances which we sincerely hope will not occur, and that in present circumstances no doubt whatever arises about the loyalty of these men and women.