THE EARL OF MANSFIELDasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether (1) they are aware that the British passport held by Richard Boswell, an intending competitor in the 18th World Ploughing Contest to be held in Somerset in October, has been withdrawn and that he is not to be allowed entry into Great Britain, which if; his birth-place and family homeland; (2) they are also aware that they are refusing to allow a Rhodesian African—Samuel Koti—the Rhodesian champion ploughman, permission to come to Britain to compete in the contest; (3) in view of the delicacy of the negotiations now proceeding between this country and Rhodesia and the urgent need for a settlement of the position between the two countries, they realise the harm that is being done by these unnecessary pinpricks; and (4) they will reverse the decisions alluded to.
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE, FOREIGN AND OMMONWEALTH OFFICE (THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIAN)Her Majesty's Government's policy is to seek a just and sensible settlement of the Rhodesian problem which will be in the best interests of all Rhodesians and which will enable Rhodesia to take her place in the international community. In pursuit of this aim, we are currently engaged in exploratory exchanges with the Rhodesians to try to find an acceptable basis for negotiations within the ambit of the Five Principles. Meanwhile, sanctions must continue. In this situation there are objections to a representative Rhodesian team participating in an international competition in this country, but we are in touch with the organising body in order to see whether there is any way in which these objections can be met.