DEBATE IN OTTAWA

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29179, 13 April 1960, Page 25

DEBATE IN OTTAWA

Commons To Discuss S.A. IN Z Press Association —Copyright) OTTAWA, April 11. The Canadian Prime Minister (Mr Diefenbaker) today agreed to a House of Commons debate of a resolution dealing with racial discrimination in South Africa. In accepting the proposal of the Liberal Opposition Leader (Mr Lester Pearson), however, Mr Diefenbaker suggested that the debate take place after the Easter adjournment and that the discussion be held on a non-partisan basis. Mr Diefenbaker also proposed that no action be taken that might cause difficulties at the forthcoming conference of Commonwealth Prime Ministers. Canadian Press reported. > This suggestion was made after he had read a private member’s motion, which the British House of Commons approved, without voting, on April 8. This resolution deplored the South African Government's racial policies. At the same time, Mr Diefenbaker threw his weight behind the proposal of the Indian Prime Minister (Mr Nehru) for a declaration by the Commonwealth countries of basic principles that have full regard for human dignity. Regarding the Prime Ministers’ conference. Mr Diefenbaker said: “I fear for the future of the Commonwealth if the conference should become a judge and jury on the conduct of a member nation.”

Mr Pearson said later that the Commons’ Liberal group appreciated the fact that an opportunity would be found to express Parliament’s views on the matter.