HC Deb 13 June 1967 vol 748 cc57-8W
64. Mr. Channon

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the fact that he has advised the World Health Organisation that there is no objection to their communicating with lawfully appointed officials in Rhodesia, he will give further details of Her Majesty's Government's policy on this matter; by what criteria a lawfully appointed official is to be defined; and what consultation he has had with the Organisation to enable them to communicate only with officials approved by Her Majesty's Government.

Mr. George Thomson

Lawfully appointed officials are those whose appointment to office derives from the 1961 Constitution, or from legislation made under it before the illegal declaration of independence. Where a person is discharging the functions of an office established before the illegal declaration of independence and there is nothing to indicate that his appointment to it was questionable, we are entitled to assume that his exercise of the routine functions of that office in accordance with law is proper. On this basis the appropriate Department in Salisbury receives all routine correspondence from the World Health Organisation arising out of the International Sanitary Regulations, and also copies of drug information circulars.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations he has made to the Japanese Government regarding the 46 per cent. increase in Japanese exports to Rhodesia in the first quarter of 1967 as compared with the corresponding period of 1966; and with what result.

Mr. George Thomson

The Security Council Resolution of 16th December, 1966, concentrated on mandatory sanctions on imports from Rhodesia. Sanctions on exports to Rhodesia were limited to oil, aircraft, arms and vehicles

Representations have been made to the Japanese Government concerning their exports to Rhodesia, with particular reference to exports of motor vehicles.

It is not the practice to disclose details of diplomatic exchanges with other Governments.

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