§ 3. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why the United Nations refused the Portuguese Government's invitation to send representatives to study economic, social and political conditions in Angola and Mozambiqus.
§ Mr. P. ThomasTo the best of my knowledge, the Portuguese Government have not issued any recent invitation of this kind to the United Nations.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonIs my hon. Friend aware that I noticed the word "recent"? Is he aware also that the I.L.O. has absolved portugal from the many charges made on the score of forced labour? In he further aware that W.H.O. has commended Portugal for her campaign against leprosy in Guinea? In the interests of peaceful co-existence in Africa, is it not desirable that the different territories of Africa should get to know each other better? Will Her Majesty's Government support in every way possible the initiative taken for discussion between the Portuguese Government and the Governments of African States which were arranged by the Secretary-General?
§ Mr. ThomasWe certainly support it, and we consider these dialogues between the Portuguese Government and the African States to be extremely useful. As to invitations, it must be a matter for the Portuguese Government whether they wish co issue them.