§ Mr. Thorpeasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a further statement on the position of the British Ambassador to Uruguay who was kidnapped 28 weeks ago.
§ Sir Alec Douglas-HomeHer Majesty's Government continue to hold the Uruguayan Government responsible for taking all appropriate steps to ensure the safety of the Ambassador; they have maintained their efforts to fulfil this responsibility but so far without securing Mr. Jackson's release. Meanwhile we have recent evidence that he is alive and in a sound state of health. I believe that Members on all sides of the House will endorse my tribute to his courage in these appalling circumstances and to that 211W of his wife and family in this country. Her Majesty's Government will not surrender to blackmail but we earnestly hope that those holding Mr. Jackson will soon be brought to share the view of responsible statesmen throughout Latin America that his captivity can serve no reputable political purpose and on humanitarian grounds should be quickly ended.