§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a 59W statement on the progress of negotiations with the Government of the Republic of South Africa regarding South-West Africa since the five démarche Powers met Mr. Vorster; and what indication has been given by the external representatives of SWAPO based in Lusaka that they are prepared to take part in free elections in that country in the event of a change of policy by South Africa towards the outcome of the Turnhalle Conference.
§ Mr. RowlandsAfter two rounds of talks in Cape Town considerable progress has been made. In place of the constitutional proposals of the Turnhalle Conference the South African Government have now enacted legislation for the government of Namibia through an administrator-general. Elections are to be held for a constituent assembly which will draw up a constitution for an independent Namibia. Discussions have been on the basis that there will be direct United Nations involvement. The Five Powers' approach has aimed at meeting the conditions for an internationally acceptable settlement laid down in Security Council Resolution 385 which calls, among other things, for free elections in which all Namibian groups, including the South-West African People's Organisation, can participate. SWAPO has endorsed this Resolution.