HC Deb 31 October 1956 vol 558 cc1444-5
50. Mr. Dugdale

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will consider increasing the staff of the British Liaison Group in the Haud in view of the volume of work now falling on them.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

There is no British Liaison "Army", and I assume that the right hon. Member is referring to the staff of the British Liaison Officer. I have no doubt that if at any time the Governor considers that staff to be inadequate, he will take steps to reinforce it.

Mr. Dugdale

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the staff consists of one British officer and two assistants? Does he think that this number is sufficient to look after an area of 25,000 square miles containing 300,000 people? Will he not give this excellent officer some assistance in an extremely difficult job?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I agree with the right hon. Gentleman in the excellence of the officer concerned and those who are working with him, but I know that if the Governor wishes the staff to be increased he will tell me so, particularly as the 1954 Agreement does not specify a limit.

Mr. J. Johnson

Is it not a fact that the Ethiopian authorities are hindering the excellent work done by these three liaison officers in the Haud beyond the boundary? Will the Secretary of State consider the suggestion of a fact-finding mission by a third party, United Nations or otherwise, to investigate the conditions on the border?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

My right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary and I had talks with the Ethiopian Foreign Minister in London, and I know that it is his wish, as it is ours, to see that the 1954 Agreement is properly carried out.

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