HC Deb 10 February 1964 vol 689 cc5-6
6. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the United Nations authorities having responsibilities in the Congo have been informed of the existence of camps in Congo territories for training in aggressive and subversive activities against other African territories, contrary to the principles of the United Nations and what action is being taken.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Peter Thomas)

The existence of camps, for example, for Angolan Nationalists, has been the subject of press and other reports of which the United Nations authorities are no doubt aware. These camps are the responsibility of the Congolese Government, which recognises the "Angolan Government in Exile", and are not within the jurisdiction of the United Nations authorities in the Congo.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Have not members of the Organisation for African Unity expressed alarm at the subversion being carried on across the international frontiers of African States? Is it not a matter which should be discussed between the Prime Minister and the President of the United States with a view to a joint approach to Mr. Adoula's Government?

Mr. Thomas

I agree that the Organisation for African Unity has expressed its concern about subversion across frontiers in Africa, but I suggest that if any approach is needed on this matter it is one which would be primarily for the Portuguese authorities to make. As far as I am aware, they have not made any representations either to the United Nations or to the Congolese Government.

Sir P. Agnew

Are not the armed incursions across the frontier into the Portuguese province of Angola a threat to world peace? Are Her Majesty's Government therefore, not concerned with that?

Mr. Thomas

With respect, the Question referred not to armed incursions but to camps which exist in the Congo. I suggest that if any representations are to be made they should be made primarily by the Portuguese authorities.

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