Hansard

Rhodesia

Volume 974: debated on Monday 26 November 1979

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Mr. Peter Bottomley

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on the help given by Zambia towards a Rhodesian settlement.

Mr. Luce

President Kaunda paid a most opportune visit to London in mid-November. Following the useful discussions which then took place, agreement was reached with all parties on our proposals for the transitional period before independence.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he has made representations to the authorities in Rhodesia about attacks into Zambia from Rhodesia.

Mr. Luce

In view of the unfortunate increase in tension between Rhodesia and Zambia last week, my right hon. and noble Friend proposed at the Lancaster House conference on 22 November an immediate agreement under which:

  • (a) the Rhodesian authorities would give an undertaking that no cross-border operations would be carried out by Rhodesia into Zambia; and
  • (b) the leaders of the Patriotic Front would give an undertaking that, with immediate effect, no further movement of armed Patriotic Front personnel would take place from Zambia into Rhodesia.
    • The Patriotic Front delegation has not yet been able to agree to this proposal.

    Mr. Peter Bottomley

    asked the Lord Privy Seal if the British Governor to be appointed for Rhodesia will end Rhodesian attacks on neighbouring nations.

    Mr. Luce

    Our proposals state that a major objective of the ceasefire arrangements must be to secure a cessation of all movement by the Rhodesian security forces into neighbouring countries and by the Patriotic Front forces into Rhodesia; and that the Governor will be responsible for ensuring compliance with this requirement by the forces inside Rhodesia.