QUESTION: "Dr. Banda has made it clear that he won't speak to the Monckton Commission till the other detainees are released. What's the situation regarding those detainees.



ANSWER: The situation as far as that is concerned is that one can make no conditions of nay sort. I've always made it clear in the House of Commons and everywhere else that the question of the release of somebody from detention is a question of law and order. It has nothing to do with the presence or absence of a Commission nor of a Minister in the territory, nor of any other consideration whatever.



QUESTION: He was very emphatic when he was here that he wants nothing to do at all with the Federation - he'd rather go back to goal. How do you think this will be received by the Southern Rhodesian Government.



ANSWER: Well, obviously not very favourably. The people are entitled to express these views - you know, in the sort of society that we try and run you don't keep a man in detention just because he's going to say something that is politically unpleasant or unpopular to you.




Initials IM/KJ/B/JH



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Background: After a tour of Central Africa, Colonial Secretary Iain Macleod arrived back at London Airport, Apr 13. While in the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, the Colonial Secretary ordered the release of the Nyasaland African National leader Dr. Hastings Banda, who has been in prison since the state of emergency was declared in Nyasaland last year.

On arrival the Colonial Secretary was asked about the position of the African Nationalists who were still being detained.

Constitution talks on Central Africa are due to be held in London later this year. At present, the Monckton Commission is at work in the Federation, interviewing people of all races for their views on the present situation. A report on their findings and their recommendations will be handled to the British Government before the start of the talks.