HC Deb 26 July 1978 vol 954 cc736-7W
21. Mr. Molloy

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a farther statement on the situation in Rhodesia.

Mr. Rowlands

My right hon. Friend discussed the situation with the United States Secretary of State on 20th July. They agreed that the quiet diplomacy undertaken by Mr. Graham and Ambassador Low over the past seven weeks should continue. The aim of their discussions is to widen the areas of agreement between the parties in preparation for the round table talks which we are trying to establish and which are now more necessary than ever.

24. Mr. Rifkind

asked the Secretary 01 State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what new initiatives he intends to take towards achieving a peaceful transition to majority rule in Rhodesia.

25. Mr. Brotherton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Common wealth Affairs if he will make a statement about Rhodesia.

30. Mr. Gow

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had about the constitutional future of Rhodesia; and if he will make a statement.

42. Mr James Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress he is making in his efforts to secure a meeting of the Rhodesian Government with the leaders of the guerrilla forces.

Mr. Rowlands

We are encouraged by the results of the discussions held by Mr. Graham and Ambassador Low in Africa since 31st May, to prepare the ground for talks with all the parties, and as my right hon. Friend agreed with Mr Vance on 20th July, they will be returning to Africa for further consultations shortly.

28. Mr. Tim Renton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has any plans to visit Rhodesia during the Summer Adjournment.

Mr. Rowlands

My right hon. Friend has no such plans at present.

33. Mr. Flannery

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has any further evidence regarding the willingness or otherwise of the various leaders in Rhodesia to come together in a round-table conference; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Rowlands

As the House is aware, the Patriotic Front agreed at the Dar-es-Salaam talks in April to attend an all-party meeting. Although there has been no breakthrough, progress has been made in the consultations with the parties carried out by Mr. Graham and Ambassador Low, who will be returning to Africa at the end of this month.