HC Deb 03 June 1965 vol 713 cc1965-6

Mr. Anthony Fell (by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the massacre near Buta in the Congo he will make a statement on the safety of Miss Margaret Hayes, a British subject, and other British subjects in the area.

The Secretary, of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Michael Stewart)

Her Majesty's Embassy has reported that the Congolese Government forces, continuing their attempts to rescue those hostages still in rebel hands, have advanced in the area north of Stanleyville to Bondo and Buta. The rebels appear to have been massacring the remaining hostages.

The only United Kingdom citizen in the area is believed to be Miss Margaret Hayes. The confirmed figure for those rescued so far is 15, but details of their identity and nationality are not yet known. They are being evacuated by air to Leopoldville.

I shall keep the House informed of any news affecting British subjects.

Mr. Fell

I am sure that the House is grateful that the right hon. Gentleman himself has answered this Question. May I ask why no statement has been made by the Government for such a long time on the situation out there? May I further ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will show a bit more activity and robustness about the whole question of British lives and property all over the world? Will he now acknowledge the debt that we owe to the mercenaries who saved the lives of hundreds of hostages who were held in the hands of the rebels?

Mr. Stewart

It is true that the Congolese National Army and the forces with it have been successful in rescuing many hostages, including some United Kingdom subjects—and everyone will be glad for that. It would not have served any useful purpose for me to have made a statement earlier, as at that time there would not have been any special news to report. But, as I have said, I shall keep the House informed.

The other comments of the right hon. Gentleman do not seem to me to be either accurate or helpful in this problem.

Mr. Fell

May I make a correction?

Mr. Speaker

Yes—a correction.

Mr. Fell

First, I am not right hon., and, secondly, the Foreign Secretary should not be so cowed by his Left wing that he has to attack other points of view—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Member was called to ask a supplementary question, not to make a statement.