Nigeria

HC Deb 05 March 1968 vol 760 cc214-6

13. Mr. Barnes

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he will suspend arms shipments to the Federal Government of Nigeria, in view of peace moves at present taking place.

Mr. George Thomas

No, Sir.

Mr. Barnes

Are the Government allowing these arms shipments because they hope to see a quick end to the war? Does not my hon. Friend agree that there are signs that the conflict may drag on for a long time? Would not Britain's best interests be served by our trying to regain a genuinely neutral position in this conflict as soon as possible?

Mr. Thomas

No one dislikes this civil war more than anyone else in the House. All of us deplore it. The question of arms has been gone into very carefully and I have answered Questions in the House before. We have continued the supply of traditional arms, and only the traditional arms, to the one Government that the whole world recognises in Nigeria. There is no other Government recognised in Nigeria. We want to see this war came to an end speedily, but I do not believe that this suggestion would advance the cause.

Mr. Crouch

Does the Minister of State think that the present leaders in Lagos are ever likely to provide the responsible leadership necessary to unite the North, the West and the East again? Does not he consider that the breakaway East—the Biafrans—are at least entitled to some recognition of their fight against vicious oppression?

Mr. Thomas

I do not want to enter into the merits of this struggle. All our efforts are directed to bringing the opposing sides to the table to talk.

Mr. Bellenger

In view of my right hon. Friend's negative reply, what positive suggestions have he and the Government to make for bringing the civil war to and end?

Mr. Thomas

Her Majesty's Government have been very active in pushing peace moves. It is not in the best interests of peace moves to conduct our affairs in public in this matter.

Mr. David Steel

The hon. Gentleman has used the phrase "the supply of traditional arms". Does "traditional" apply to the quantity of the arms as well as to their quality?

Mr. Thomas

It applies to both. We have never—I had better be careful, because I do not want to add to the trouble. We have viewed every request for arms with the most careful scrutiny before we have decided what can go.

18. Mr. Tilney

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received from the Commonwealth Secretariat regarding the civil war in Nigeria; and whether Her Majesty's Government will propose through the Secretariat the establishment of a Commonwealth peace-keeping force.

9. Mr. Dewar

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Commonwealth Secretariat as to the possibility of establishing a Commonwealth peacekeeping force in Nigeria following Mr. Arnold Smith's visit to Lagos.

Mr. George Thomas

We have been kept informed by Mr. Arnold Smith about his initiative to promote negotiations for a cease-fire and settlement in Nigeria, and we fully support his efforts. We have repeatedly declared our willingness to help the Nigerians in any way we can which would advance the prospects of peace. Mr. Arnold Smith is well aware of this.

Mr. Tilney

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that there is a danger of the war dragging on because of the fear of the Ibos that they would be massacred even if the Federals won? Surely some form of political compromise must be reached sooner or later?

Mr. Thomas

I am well aware of the considerations the hon. Gentleman mentioned. But the House must remember that Nigeria is an independent country. All our diplomatic efforts are directed to ensuring a lasting peace with a sense of security for all.

Mr. Henig

Can my hon. Friend explain exactly how he expects both sides to be prepared to trust this country when we are openly and blatantly supplying one side with the means of war? Does he not share the sense of shame which many of us have that this country should thus be profiting from the continuation of this dreadful war?

Mr. Thomas

I have already answered that question, and perhaps I had better leave it there.