HC Deb 12 November 1962 vol 667 cc21-3
13. Mr. P. Noel-Baker

asked the Lord Privy Seal what will be the contribution of Her Majesty's Government to the United Nations operation in the Congo for 1962; and what information he has received from the Acting Secretary-General of the United Nations about the taxes, dividends and royalties paid to the Central Government of the Congo under Mr. Adoula by the Union Minière.

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

Her Majesty's Government's contribution to the Congo ad hoc fund for the period from 1st November, 1961, to 30th June, 1962, is £2,163,370. There have been no assessments for the second half of 1962. I understand that no payments are at present being made by Union Minière to the Central Government in the Congo.

Mr. Noel-Baker

While expressing gratification at the last part of the Answer by the Under-Secretary of State, may I ask if he has seen reports that Mr. Tshombe has started military operations by bombing with ten military aircraft, causing casualties and damaging buildings of the Central Government, which has been paid for by the £40 or thereabouts, which the Union Minière has in the past paid to Mr. Tshombe?

Mr. Thomas

I have seen reports, but I am afraid that I have no final details about these matters. I am afraid I cannot say what funds were provided for the purpose of securing aircraft.

Mr. Noel-Baker

What action are Her Majesty's Government taking to ensure that Mr. Tshombe does not carry out a new armed secession movement, thereby imposing heavy burdens on the United Nations and, incidentally, on the British taxpayer?

Mr. Thomas

Her Majesty's Government are anxious to support the United Nations to the full by carrying out the plan for national reconciliation which was put forward by U Thant and agreed both by the Adoula Government and the Katanga authorities.

Sir J. Vaughan-Morgan

Could my hon. Friend enlighten us about this agreement between the Union Minière and Katanga? Is not this an agreement which was originally imposed by the then Belgian Colonial Government?

Mr. Thomas

I am afraid that I cannot go into details about the agreement without notice.

Mr. Gaitskell

Will the hon. Gentleman confirm or deny the reports to which my right hon. Friend drew attention that there have been these attacks by Mr. Tshombe's aircraft on United Nations territory?

Mr. Thomas

As I have told the House, we have received reports to that effect but I am afraid that we have no detailed reports.