Namibia

Oral Answers to Questions — Oral Answers to Questions – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 17 November 1976.

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Photo of Mr Cyril Townsend Mr Cyril Townsend , Bexley Bexleyheath 12:00, 17 November 1976

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's approach to the current talks on the future of Namibia.

Photo of Mr Ted Rowlands Mr Ted Rowlands Minister of State (Foreign and Commonwealth Office)

Her Majesty's Government take the view that political parties including the South-West African People's Organisation must be allowed to participate in negotiations and in a single electoral process. The Windhoek Conference, although a useful source of advice, does not yet constitute self-determination.

Photo of Mr Cyril Townsend Mr Cyril Townsend , Bexley Bexleyheath

In the light of Mr. Sam Nujoma's recent visit to Moscow to purchase arms, the obvious links between SWAPO and the Marxists in Angola, and the split between the internal and external wings of SWAPO, will the Government reconsider giving educational and financial aid to SWAPO?

Photo of Mr Ted Rowlands Mr Ted Rowlands Minister of State (Foreign and Commonwealth Office)

We give aid to individuals in Namibia as a result of requests from organisations, which include not only SWAPO but other organisations. I see no reason why we should deprive individuals of such aid.

Photo of Mr Frank Hooley Mr Frank Hooley , Sheffield, Heeley

Will my hon. Friend accept that, if the Western Powers continue to fail to bring effective pressure on South Africa on this matter, SWAPO, Angola and other people directly concerned will seek alliances and arms elsewhere?

Photo of Mr Ted Rowlands Mr Ted Rowlands Minister of State (Foreign and Commonwealth Office)

The best way of solving the problem is for South Africa to bring about an early and rapid movement towards a free and independent State of Namibia.

Photo of Mr Ian Lloyd Mr Ian Lloyd , Havant and Waterloo

Have Her Majesty's Government changed the name of South West Africa to "Namibia", and, if so, with what authority? Has such a change the support of the indigenous peoples of South-West Africa?

Photo of Mr Ted Rowlands Mr Ted Rowlands Minister of State (Foreign and Commonwealth Office)

Namibia is a reasonably known international name for what in other language is South-West Africa.