§ 11. Mr. Healeyasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will instruct Her Majesty's Government's representatives at the United Nations to support discussion of the Algerian situation by the United Nations as a threat to peace.
§ Mr. HeathAn item entitled "The Question of Algeria" was placed on the agenda of the General Assembly without a vote on 10th October. I understand that discussion in the First Committee of the Assembly will begin on 5th December.
§ Mr. HealeyCan the Lord Privy Seal tell the House what attitude Her Majesty's Government propose to take in this discussion? Is it not the case that in recent weeks the Algerian affair has taken on very serious international implications and that the rebel Government are now being recognised by a large number of members of the United Nations? Is it not highly desirable that the United Nations should at this time seize itself of the problem and use every influence it has in order to bring about negotiations between the French Government and leaders of the rebellion in Algeria? Would the Lord Privy Seal tell us whether Her Majesty's Government will do everything they can in this direction?
§ Mr. HeathOf course, we must see the terms of the resolution on which the debate is to be carried on before we can define exactly our attitude towards it, but, as I said on 4th November, our attitude will be a constructive one to try to reconcile the differences which exist over Algeria.