§ 27. Dr. D. Johnsonasked the Lord Privy Seal why the British delegate at the United Nations has not raised the subject of the Congo during the 40 meetings of the Security Council of the United Nations Organisation which have taken place since November, 1961.
§ Mr. P. ThomasI have nothing to add to what I said on 7th February.
§ Dr. JohnsonDoes my hon. Friend realise that the statement to us in the debate was very unsatisfactory? Is he satisfied that Her Majesty's Government should continue to pay to the United Nations but have no effective say in what goes on? Is not this an impossible and humiliating situation for a great nation?
§ Mr. ThomasAs my hon. Friend knows, we went into this matter very fully in the debate last week. As I said, I do not think any useful purpose would be served by making a request as suggested in the Question.
§ 28. Dr. D. Johnsonasked the Lord Privy Seal what action the United Nations is proposing to take in regard 928 to the presence of private armies in the Congo which constitute a threat to the peace of neighbouring countries.
§ Mr. P. ThomasThe Secretary-General's plan for national reconciliation in the Congo provides among other things for the integration of dissident troops in the Congolese national armed forces.
§ Dr. JohnsonDoes not my hon. Friend agree, however, that the United Nations troops would have been better used before this in cleaning up all these armies rather than in pursuing the vendetta against Mr. Tshombe?
§ Mr. ThomasNo, Sir. As my hon. Friend knows, I cannot accept the way he has put his supplementary question.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonIs my hon. Friend also aware of the private armies being organised in the Congo for attacks on Portuguese territory? Should not the United Nations concern itself with real threats to peace and security? Will Her Majesty's Government ask it to do something about this?
§ Mr. ThomasI understand that a number of Angolan nationalists are training in the area to the south of Leopoldville. This area, however, is not controlled by the United Nations.
§ 38. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will make a statement on the present situation in the Congo and on the steps to be taken to secure the economic rehabilitation of the country.
§ Mr. P. ThomasSenior officers of the Katanga gendarmerie have taken the oath of allegiance to President Kasavubu, as provided for in the U Thant Plan for National Reconciliation. Arrangements are going ahead for the implementation of the economic and monetary provisions of the plan, and the emphasis of the United Nations effort in the Congo is now being switched to economic assistance.