Political Prisoners

Oral Answers to Questions — South Africa – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 13 Ebrill 1964.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mrs Barbara Castle Mrs Barbara Castle , Blackburn 12:00, 13 Ebrill 1964

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps have been taken by Her Majesty's Government to induce the South African Government to abandon the current trial of political prisoners as requested in the resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly on 11th October, 1963.

Photo of Mr Peter Thomas Mr Peter Thomas , Conway

In response to the request contained in this resolution, Her Majesty's Ambassador in Pretoria has told the South African Government why we thought it appropriate to vote for it and has drawn their attention to the strength of public opinion in the United Kingdom on this issue.

Photo of Mrs Barbara Castle Mrs Barbara Castle , Blackburn

Does the hon. Gentleman think that that tepid action is really sufficient to carry out the instructions of the United Nations resolution for which we voted, and will he tell the House what further steps the Government intend to take to induce South Africa to abandon this arbitrary trial and to release all political prisoners unconditionally? Will he now impose a total embargo on the export of arms to South Africa?

Photo of Mr Peter Thomas Mr Peter Thomas , Conway

No. We thought that the action we took was appropriate, in accordance with the terms of the particular article of the resolution.