§ Mr. Andersonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the United Kingdom observers to the first round of presidential elections in El Salvador on 25 March will meet church and other human rights campaigners in that country; if they will be accompanied by any British diplomatic or other diplomatic representatives during their investigations; on whom they will rely for interpretation; what assistance they are expected to receive from the Salvadorean Government and armed forces; and if they will seek opportunities formally or informally to meet representatives of the FDR.
§ Mr. WhitneyThe official British observers have been given complete freedom to decide their methods of work and whom they will meet. We understand that they plan to meet representatives of a wide spectrum of opinion. Her Majesty's ambassador to Honduras will be available in El Salvador to accompany the observers and to provide interpretation facilities as required. He and Dr. Browning are both fluent Spanish speakers.
§ Mr. Maddenasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has, in relation to the forthcoming elections in El Salvador about whether opposition party candidates will be able to stand; whether voting in these elections will be compulsory; and whether those who vote will have their hand marked in a way which is visible.
§ Mr. WhitneyThere is no legal bar against any political party; eight are standing in the elections. Voting is compulsory. In accordance with the electoral law, voters will have their hands marked with indelible ink.
§ Mr. Maddenasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what language credentials the British observers to the elections in El Salvador have; what pre-conditions were agreed prior to agreement to send observers; and whether the observers will meet opposition parties, human rights groups and church groups, respectively.
§ Mr. WhitneyThe official British observers have been given complete freedom to decide their methods of work and whom they will meet. I understand that they plan to meet representatives of a wide spectrum of opinion. One of the observers speaks fluent Spanish and assistance with interpretation will be available as required.