HC Deb 28 June 1974 vol 875 c14W
Mr. Faulds

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will now withdraw Her Majesty's Government's representatives in South-West Africa and attach them formally to the Council for Namibia.

Miss Joan Lestor

Her Majesty's Government have no separate representation in South-West Africa. The question of Her Majesty's Government's attitude to the United Nations Council for Namibia is part of our current review of policy towards Namibia.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will raise in the Security Council the action of South Africa in Namibia in arresting and deporting for trial in South Africa Estrieel Taapopi and Joseph Kashea, in the light of the ruling by the United Nations that the occupation of Namibia by South Africa is illegal.

Miss Joan Lestor

We are most concerned about the plight of the SWAPO leaders who have been detained. Her Majesty's Ambassador at Pretoria has made repeated representations to the South African Government and has asked for assurances about a fair and proper trial. I do not think it would be appropriate to raise the matter in the Security Council, since we could not regard this as a threat to international peace and security.