§ Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on recent discussions with the South African Government about the defence of the South Atlantic and Indian Ocean.
§ Mr. George ThomsonRepresentatives of the South African and British Governments met in Cape Town on January 25th–27th to discuss certain aspects of the Simonstown Agreement in the light of the projected withdrawal of the Commander-in-Chief, South Atlantic. The British196W team was led by Sir John Nicholls, Her Majesty's Ambassador to South Africa and included Vice-Admiral Sir John Bush, Vice-Chief of Naval Staff. The South African team was led by Commandant General Hiemstra.
The talks were conducted in a cordial atmosphere and the representatives agreed on recommendations to be put to their respective Governments on the practical implications of the withdrawal, including alternative command arrangements for the area and future British naval representation in South Africa.
The withdrawal of the Commander-in-Chief and his staff and the Royal Navy frigate on station in the area will take place in the course of the next few months.