HC Deb 19 July 1962 vol 663 c641
Mr. Dugdale

(by Private Notice)asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on the safety of British subjects in Peru following the coup d'etat there.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Peter Thomas)

Her Majesty's Ambassador at Lima has associated himself with a move by representatives of foreign Governments there to request the Military Government to issue a statement that they will protect the lives and property of all foreigners in Peru. No report has been received of any loss or injury having been suffered by any British subject in Peru as a result of the military coup.

Mr. Dugdale

Does that mean that British subjects are being protected? May I ask whether Her Majesty's Government associate themselves with the concern expressed by the United States of America at this grave blow at such democracy as there has been in Peru by military forces determined to prevent the election of a President who might possibly do something to help the position of the peasants?

Mr. Thomas

I do not think I can comment on that until the situation in Peru becomes much clearer.