HC Deb 19 June 1961 vol 642 cc925-6
4. Mr. Brockway

asked the Lord Privy Seal what action the Security Council has taken on the refusal of the Government of the Union of South Africa to permit the United Nations Committee to visit South-West Africa.

Mr. Godber

I presume the hon. Gentleman is referring to the letter of 10th May from the South African Minister of Foreign Affairs to the United Nations Secretary General. This has, I understand, been referred to the United Nations Committee for South-West Africa, and not the Security Council, for consideration.

Mr. Brockway

Are not the Government of the Union of South Africa defying a request by the United Nations that this mission shall visit South-West Africa? In those circumstances, will the United Kingdom support the strongest action possible to see that the United Nations' decision on this matter is carried out?

Mr. Godber

I observe that in his letter of 10th May the South African Foreign Minister said that his Government were prepared to accept an impartial inquiry by an independent person mutually agreed upon by the President of the General Assembly and the South African Government into the validity of the allegation that international peace and security were threatened in South, West Africa.

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