§ 48. Mrs. Castleasked the Prime Minister whether he will approach the Belgian Prime Minister to ensure that the diplomatic facilities accorded to the Belgian Government in London are not used to further the recruitment of British nationals for service in the Katanga Army.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir.
§ Mrs. CastleIs the Prime Minister aware that the Belgian Assistant Military Attaché in London has been giving to British volunteers the address of the Katanga delegation in Brussels for recruitment for service at very high rates of mercenary pay in the Congo, and that following the revelation of this fact in the Daily Herald a few days ago and the tabling of this Question, the Assistant Military Attache has been recalled? Can we have the Prime Minister's assurance that this gentleman will not be allowed to return to this country, as I have definite evidence that he indulged in these activities? Will the Prime Minister approach the Belgian Government—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order."]—I take my instructions on order from the Chair—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech."]—will he approach the Belgian Government to protest against the use of their diplomatic facilities in this way?
§ The Prime MinisterThe hon. Lady has already said that the Belgian Government has dealt with this matter.
§ Mrs. CastleWill the Prime Minister answer my second point? He now admits that the Belgian Government have recalled the Assistant Military Attaché; would he give the House an assurance that this Major Le Grande will not be allowed to return to this country in a diplomatic capacity?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is another question. I have observed that the Belgian Government have ordered judicial proceedings against anybody responsible for trying to recruit for the Katanga forces.
§ Mr. GaitskellWould not the right hon. Gentleman agree that, in any case, it is most undesirable that British subjects should enlist in any of these private armies in the Congo?
§ The Prime MinisterWe do not approve of such recruiting, and I understand that the Belgian Government disapprove also.