HC Deb 02 March 1976 vol 906 cc502-3W
Mr. George Rodgers

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Common wealth Affairs on how many occasions since the advent of the illegal régime in Rhodesia the Government have sent an emissary to that country.

Mr. Ennals

Apart from visits by Ministers and officials, four emissaries have visited Rhodesia on behalf of Her Majesty's Government since the illegal declaration of independence in 1965.

Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has about the massacre of the entire population of an African village in the Mavuradonha area of Rhodesia.

Mr. Ennals

I have seen the reports of allegations which have appeared in the Press. I have no information at all to corroborate them.

Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has about British mercenaries serving with the forces of the illegal régime in Rhodesia; how many have been recruited; and what action he is taking to stop this recruitment.

Mr. Ennals

I understand that British subjects have enlisted in the regular armed services of the régime but I have no information about the numbers involved. It is already an offence to publish without a licence any advertisement soliciting or encouraging people to take up employment or residence in Southern Rhodesia.

Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will set up an inquiry into the massacre at Mavuradonha in Rhodesia and ask the International Red Cross to assist.

Mr. Ennals

I am not convinced that an inquiry would serve any useful purpose.

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