§ Mr. Stuart Hollandasked the Lord Privy Seal what instructions have been given to Her Majesty's Ambassador in Chile concerning the acceptance of political refugees in the British embassy.
§ Mr. RidleyThere are standing instructions on this matter which all our posts overseas follow.
§ Mr. Stuart Hollandasked the Lord Privy Seal (1) how Her Majesty's ambassador to Chile intends to raise the question of human rights with the Government of Chile at the highest level; and what progress he has made;
(2) whether he has instructed Her Majesty's ambassador to Chile to accept and act on further evidence on human rights violations in that country; and what evidence he has received over the past six months;
(3) whether his instructions to Her Majesty's ambassador to Chile to raise questions on human rights to the highest level include the rights of free association in trades unions.
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§ Mr. RidleyAmbassadors represent the views of Her Majesty's Government and are able to do so at the highest level given the usual diplomatic access available to them. Her Majesty's ambassador in Santiago took up his appointment only recently. He will keep a close watch on and will report on all aspects of human rights in Chile and on his contacts with the Chilean Government in this respect. We will ask him to raise details of the cases of any individuals brought to our attention.
§ Mr. Stuart Hollandasked the Lord Privy Seal what assurances Her Majesty's ambassador to Chile has received about the safe conduct and freedom from molestation for those Chilean political refugees returning to that country.
§ Mr. RidleyHer Majesty's ambassador in Santiago will naturally concern himself with political refugees returning from Britain, although our ability to render assistance on any formal basis to Chilean nationals in their own country is strictly limited.