§ 32. Mr. Tilneyasked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will bring to the attention of Mr. Hammarskjoeld the reluctance of the United Nations troops in Stanleyville to endeavour to keep order or protect citizens of the United Kingdom and of other countries from being maltreated by Congolese soldiers.
§ 25. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will make a statement about the outbreak of violence at Stanleyville in the Congo, in the course of which Miss Daphne Parks, of Her Majesty's Embassy in Leopoldville, was among those maltreated; and what action has been taken by Her Majesty's Government in concert with other countries affected to seek redress.
§ Mr. HeathEarly on the morning of 27th November the European residents of Stanleyville were rounded up by Congolese soldiers, ostensibly for the purpose of checking identity documents, and some were subject to humiliating treatment and detained. Miss Park, First Secretary at Her Majesty's Embassy at Leopoldville, arrived in Stanleyville that day. In spite of her diplomatic status she was detained for some hours with the other passengers at the airfield; she was searched and slapped several times by Congolese soldiers.
These and subsequent events in Stanleyville were immediately taken up with the United Nations authorities in both New York and Leopoldville. The United Nations has now undertaken to provide protection for Europeans in Stanleyville.
§ Mr. TilneyMay I ask whether that protection is now really being provided? Will my right hon. Friend watch the situation lest any sudden withdrawal of national contingents from the United Nations Force should jeopardise British lives?
§ Mr. HeathYes, Sir. I understand that these responsibilities are now being carried out by the troops in Stanleyville. We will, of course, watch the matter mentioned by my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. GrimondAre Her Majesty's Government making any proposals for strengthening the contribution of the United Nations in the Congo, or any proposal at the United Nations for the handling of the Congo situation?
§ Mr. HeathThere is a Question later on the Order Paper on the subject raised by the hon. Gentleman in the latter part of that supplementary question. The matter of the United Nations Force in the Congo has always been handled by Mr. Hammarskjoeld, and we have always offered any influence that we can to meet his requirements.