§ The Prime MinisterI have no plans at present for a further visit. We are, however, in close contact with the Emperor of Ethiopia and other members of the O.A.U. who are active in promoting negotiations on a settlement and I had a useful discussion on this matter with the Ethiopian Foreign Minister last week.
Mr. TaylorIn the meantime what steps is the Prime Minister taking to ascertain accurately the extent of suffering and hunger in Biafra? In view of the completely alarming reports, has the Prime Minister put a proposition to the Soviet Union and to France about a possible international arms embargo, and if so what reply has he had?
§ The Prime MinisterI have nothing to add on the question of an arms embargo beyond the whole series of answers that I have given in the House, and what has been said in successive debates. With regard to the problem of famine and relief supplies, which again we have debated at great length, I think that the hon. Gentleman will have studied the accounts of the recent negotiations between the International Red Cross and, on the one hand, the Federal Government and, on the other, Colonel Ojukwu. I think that the hon. Gentleman will have concluded that whatever the residual problem of food shortage, it could be dealt with immediately by Colonel Ojukwu accepting the proposal of the Red Cross for daylight flights.
§ Sir Alec Douglas-HomeBut since the Prime Minister answered Questions towards the end of July and there was a debate, the Foreign Secretary has been at the United Nations. Did he not take the occasion, on behalf of the Government, to raise the question of an arms embargo with the Soviet Union and other Governments?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir, but we had informal consultations about whether such a proposal would make progress in the United Nations, and it was our clear view that it would not. We have always expressed the view—and I think that the right hon. Gentleman accepts this—that 946 the only way to get an effective arms embargo is on the ground, and this requires a cease-fire.
§ Mr. John LeeWhatever Colonel Ojukwu's limitations, are we to understand that this country will go on sending arms to Nigeria however long this civil war goes on?
§ The Prime MinisterI will not repeat what has been said on this question on many occasions from this Box about our obligations in this matter and the effect that we have been able to exercise in certain matters on which concern was expressed in the House, not least last March, as a result of our close relationship with the Nigerian Government.