HC Deb 05 December 1960 vol 631 cc858-60
62. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Lord Privy Seal what reasons were given by the Secretary-General of the United Nations in his request to Her Majesty's Government to postpone the arrangements made for training Congolese cadets in the United Kingdom.

The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Edward Heath)

The Secretary-General of the United Nations informed us on 30th September that, in his view, it would not be appropriate in the circumstances which prevailed at that time to put this scheme into operation. Her Majesty's Government deferred to his view in this matter.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Why did Her Majesty's Government defer to the view of the Secretary-General of the United Nations in this matter? Is there any reason at all why under-developed countries, such as the Congo, should not seek training facilities in a country such as Great Britain, Which is able to provide them?

Mr. Heath

Her Majesty's Government deferred to the Secretary-General's view because they considered that to be in the interests of both the Congo and the United Nations at the present time.

Sir R. Grimston

Will my right hon. Friend not consider that time sometimes elapses? Will he consider advising the Secretary-General that it does not make much sense to castigate this young army for indiscipline and at the same time put obstacles in the way of its receiving proper training?

Mr. Heath

Yes, Sir. We have made it plain that circumstances often change and, as soon as it becomes appropriate, we are quite willing to undertake this task.

64. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Lord Privy Seal how he proposes to inform the House and the country of the United Nations activities in the former Belgian Congo; and what inquiries and representations have been made by Her Majesty's Government about acts of violence committed or countenanced by United Nations troops.

Mr. Heath

Reports issued by the United Nations on the Congo are placed in the Library of the House. Our delegation in New York is in constant communication with the United Nations authorities there about all activities in the Congo.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Has my right hon. Friend studied the information provided by Captain John Roberts and other informed observers about atrocities committed on Baluba tribesmen and others by United Nations forces? Is it not very bad for the reputation of the United Nations that no protest should be made about these things and that opinion should appear to exist that, if something is done under the auspices of the United Nations, it does not matter if it is done without morality, decency, or military honour?

Mr. Heath

I cannot comment on the latter part of my hon. Friend's question, nor can I give details of confidential discussions which take place between delegations and the Secretary-General, but naturally all these matters are constantly under discussion.

Mr. G. Brown

Will the right hon. Gentleman at least explain to his hon. Friend that if we are to set ourselves up in the House of Commons to pass judgment in these extravagant terms on United Nations actions, we shall never move any nearer to a world authority; indeed, we shall move away from it?

Mr. Heath

It is very difficult to comment on individual incidents in the Congo at the moment because of the confusion there and the difficulties of obtaining all the information.