§ Mr. Clinton Davisasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has received reports of intimidation of Africans, meeting to discuss the White Paper, in the Belingwe district of Rhodesia by the Rhodesian Police on 5th January, 1972; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Alec Douglas-HomeVarious allegations have been made as to events in the Belingwe area, but I have no means of judging their accuracy. It will of course be for the Pearce Commission to satisfy themselves whether normal political activities, provided they are peaceful and democratic, are being permitted throughout Rhodesia.
§ Mr. Clinton Davisasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many Africans in the Belingwe area of Rhodesia have been 200W arrested since the announcement of the Anglo-Rhodesian proposals.
§ Sir Alec Douglas-HomeI am not in a position to answer this Question.
§ Mr. Clinton Davisasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when a Lutheran pastor, the Rev. Isaiah Gumbo, a headmaster, Mr. Lot Dewa, and a student on vacation from the University of Rhodesia, Mr. Mbonisi Moyo, were taken into custody by the illegal Smith régime; what charges have been preferred against these men; and what representations he has made in connection therewith to the illegal régime.
§ Sir Alec Douglas-HomeI am aware of reports of this nature and have drawn them to the attention of the Rhodesian authorities. I have however made no representations. Any interference with normal political activities would be primarily for the Pearce Commission to consider.