South African Refugees

Oral Answers to Questions — High Commission Territories – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 28 April 1964.

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Photo of Mr Patrick Wall Mr Patrick Wall , Haltemprice 12:00, 28 April 1964

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies what steps are now being taken to prevent South African refugees in the High Commission Territories being trained as saboteurs for use against South Africa, Southern Rhodesia or the Portuguese provinces.

Photo of Mr Duncan Sandys Mr Duncan Sandys , Wandsworth Streatham

I am not aware that any such training is taking place in the High Commission Territories.

Photo of Mr Patrick Wall Mr Patrick Wall , Haltemprice

Without in any way disagreeing with the principle of political refuge, may I ask my right hon. Friend to look into the question of political refugees being assisted in transit through Bechuanaland to other Commonwealth countries to be trained as saboteurs against South Africa?

Photo of Mr Duncan Sandys Mr Duncan Sandys , Wandsworth Streatham

I cannot exercise any control over the intentions of persons who leave the High Commission Territories, which is what my hon. Friend is asking me to do. As regards activities inside the High Commission Territories, I think that the House knows that it is an offence to conspire in the High Commission Territories to commit an act outside the Territories which would be unlawful if it were committed within them.

Photo of Mr John Stonehouse Mr John Stonehouse , Wednesbury

Will the right hon. Gentleman give facilities to refugees who want to leave Basutoland?

Photo of Mr Duncan Sandys Mr Duncan Sandys , Wandsworth Streatham

We do our best, but Basutoland is in a rather difficult geographical position.

Secretary of State

Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.