HC Deb 27 March 1961 vol 637 cc929-30
5. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Lord Privy Seal what consultation Her Majesty's Government have had with other signatories of the North Atlantic Treaty, under Article 4 of that Treaty, about threats to the territorial integrity and security of Portuguese provinces in Africa.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. J. B. Godber)

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation discussions are confidential and I cannot disclose what, if any, consultations have taken place on any particular topic. The Portuguese territories in Africa are of course outside the Treaty area.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Is it not a fact that all the Portuguese provinces are within the purview of Article 4 of the Treaty? Is not the Minister aware of a very strong feeling, not only against our American allies but against N.A.T.O. itself, in Portugal and Portuguese Africa? Will the Government do everything possible to maintain solidarity with our allies?

Mr. Godber

On the last point, of course the Government will do all they can to maintain solidarity with our allies in N.A.T.O., as elsewhere. In fact, the N.A.T.O. area as defined by Article 6 of the North Atlantic Treaty would not, in our view, include these territories.

Mr. G. M. Thomson

Is the Minister aware that military solidarity with our allies does not in the least imply that Her Majesty's Government should abstain from voting when the question of Angola comes up at the United Nations?

Mr. Speaker

Order. There is a further question on the Order Paper which may give us an answer on that point.

8. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Lord Privy Seal what action Her Majesty's Government have taken within the United Nations Security Council regarding the violation of Portuguese territory from across the frontier of the Congo Republic; and what has resulted.

Mr. Godber

None, Sir. The second part of the Question does not therefore arise.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Is not my right hon. Friend aware of the aggression against Angola from across the Congo border, the massacre of men, women and children, making Sharpeville look like a children's picnic? Would not it be more appropriate, and more in accordance with its Charter, if the United Nations Organisation, instead of trying to meddle in the internal affairs of member States, tried to secure the freedom of the frontiers of member States from unprovoked aggression?

Mr. Godber

The reports of these incidents are confused and there is no real clear picture. But I think it should not be forgotten that the Portuguese have not brought the question before the Security Council and so I do not think it is for Her Majesty's Government to initiate it.

Mr. Healey

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that if the report referred to by the hon. Member for Chigwell (Mr. Biggs-Davison) is correct, there is even less excuse for the Government's refusal to support a discussion of conditions in Angola in the Security Council a fortnight ago?

Mr. Godber

Presumably the hon. Gentleman is referring to our abstention on that vote. My right hon. Friend dealt with that the other day in answers to Questions. I think it a logical step which we have taken. It is certainly in accord with the attitude we have adopted on previous occasions. Our attitude in these matters is well known. I do not think it should have caused any surprise to the House.