§ 40. Mr. Moonmanasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further inquiries he has 32 made of the Nigerian Government concerning the bombing of civilians in Biafra.
§ Mr. Goronwy RobertsI would refer my hon. Friend to what was said in the House on 13th March by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary.—[Vol. 779, c. 1573–5, 1684–5.]
§ Mr. MoonmanBearing in mind the sentiments expressed in that debate, may I ask my right hon. Friend to convey to the Prime Minister our opinion that, when preparing for his talks with the Nigerian Government at the end of the month, this question of the bombing of hospitals and schools and damaging, indeed killing, civilians is very much central to putting the matter right?
§ Mr. RobertsCertainly.
§ Mr. A. RoyleWhat is the point of the Prime Minister's visit? Will he be visiting Biafra?
§ Mr. RobertsI could not answer the second part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, but there certainly is a point in my right hon. Friend's visiting this tragic land and doing what he can to bring about peace in this area. My right hon. Friend did not have the opportunity of meeting General Gowon during the Commonwealth Prime Minister's Conference. Some consideration has been given to the question that he might see him as soon as possible. This would seem to my right hon. Friend to be both a suitable and, one would hope, a fruitful opportunity.