HL Deb 31 July 1981 vol 423 cc941-2WA
Lord Brockway

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have information of a proposal to establish a South Atlantic Treaty Organisation composed of the USA, Central and South American states and the Republic of South Africa; whether Mr. Nicholas Ridley, M.P. was expressing their view when he said in another place that such an alliance would not adversely affect British interests; and whether they will oppose any proposal which would arouse opposition in all the rest of Africa.

The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Lord Carrington)

We know of no official proposal on this matter, though we have seen press reports. The proposal was apparently discussed at a private meeting and it would be inappropriate for me to comment. The Government's view is that there are no indications that British interests would be adversely affected.