HC Deb 11 July 1960 vol 626 cc976-7
39. Mr. Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government regarding recognition of the Governments of Congo, the Cameroons, Togoland, Somalia, the Federation of Mali, Madagascar and other African States as they become independent; and what is its policy regarding their membership of the United Nations.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. John Profumo)

Her Majesty's Government have already recognised the Governments of Cameroon, Togo, Mali, Madagascar, the Congo and the Somali Republic. The Security Council has recommended to the General Assembly of the United Nations the admission of all these countries as members. The United Kingdom supported these recommendations.

Mr. Brookway

May I put a particular question on the Republic of Congo? While all of us poignantly deplore what is happening there, may I ask whether recognition of the Government does not mean that troops from British territories should not be involved except at the request of the Government, which, in fact, is doing everything possible to restore peaceful conditions—[HON. MEMBERS: "How do you know?"]—including the protection of the Belgian community?

Mr. Profumo

I do not think that arises from this Question. At all events, there will be a broader Question on the subject later on.