§ Mr. Ennalsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of the statements by Mr. Eduardo Mondlane in the United Nations Committee on colonialism on 3rd June on the subject of the granting of asylum in the South African Protectorates; if he will give an assurance that Her Majesty's Government's policy concerning the granting of asylum to political refugees in the Protectorates of Swaziland, Basutoland and Bechuanaland has not changed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GreenwoodI have seen reports of Mr. Mondlane's accusations. There is no truth in his suggestion that the British Government and the Governments of the three Southern African Territories have collaborated with the authorities in Mozambique against the interests of political refugees. With constitutional advance refugee matters in the Territories are, of course, increasingly the concern of the territorial Governments. There has, however, been no change in the policy which has hitherto been followed, under which genuine political refugees have been granted asylum and are in no circumstances obliged to return to the country from which they have fled.
§ Mr. Ennalsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the inquiries concerning the alleged kidnapping of two Mozambique refugees in Swaziland have been completed; and whether he will make a statement concerning the circumstances of this case.
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§ Mr. GreenwoodAn interim report has been received from Swaziland and is now being studied. Consideration is being given to what further steps should be taken in the matter, and I will let my hon. Friend know what is decided.