§ Mr. Healey(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to make a statement on the situation in Guinea and on the policy of Her Majesty's Government in the Security Council discussions on this matter.
§ The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Sir Alec Douglas-Home)I have no Ministerial responsibility for the situation in Guinea.
The Security Council met last night following allegations made by the Government of Guinea that their country was being invaded by foreign mercenaries. A resolution was adopted unanimously demanding the immediate cessation of the armed attack against the Republic of Guinea and the immediate withdrawal of all external armed forces and mercenaries. The Council decided to send a special Mission to Guinea to report immediately on the situation. The Mission will be formed after consultations between the President of the Security Council, the Secretary General and Council members.
§ Mr. HealeyWhile I welcome the decision of the Security Council, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he can explain why Her Majesty's Government allowed themselves, with the representatives of Nationalist China and the United States, to seek a delay in action by the Security Council on this matter?
Secondly, in view of the fact that the United Nations representative in Conakry 32 has been reported as saying that he has personally seen landing craft and fighter aircraft operating in support of the military operation, will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that Her Majesty's Government will oppose any action by foreign Governments who interfere in the internal affairs of an independent State in Africa?
§ Sir Alec Douglas-HomeYes, Sir. This is what we have constantly said. We have constantly emphasised the danger of States interfering in the internal affairs of each other. That is underlined in the Charter. On the face of it, although we have not the facts, and it is wise to establish the facts before I comment any further, it would seem that this might be a case of unauthorised armed forces interfering in the affairs of another country.
§ Mr. HealeyWould the right hon. Gentleman answer my first question and say why Her Majesty's Government, alone with Nationalist China and the representative of the United States, voted against the immediate action by the Security Council in this matter?
§ Sir Alec Douglas-HomeWe thought it more sensible to establish the facts.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonWill the Security Council also investigate the long-standing aggression launched from the territory of the Republic of Guinea against the territory of our Portuguese ally? Should not Secretary General U Thant now take up the invitation, hitherto rejected, to visit Portuguese Africa? Thirdly, may I ask whether our United Nations delegation will keep constantly in mind the strategic importance of the Cape Verde Islands and the threat to Sal?
§ Sir Alec Douglas-HomeI am concerned with one question only. It must be for the Secretary General to decide whether he pays a visit to Portuguese Africa at a later date.
§ Mr. Ronald BellWould my right hon. Friend bear in mind that, apart from the inherent absurdity of the suggestions made against Portugal by President Sekou Touré, it is extraordinary to see this arch-intervener in the affairs of his neighbours now putting in a complaint to the Security Council?
§ Sir Alec Douglas-HomeI had noted that the Government of Portugal had denied any knowledge.
§ Mr. HealeyWould the right hon. Gentleman agree that it would be a disaster, with respect to his hon. Friends, if there were an attempt to repeat the Bay of Pigs experience in West Africa? Will the right hon. Gentleman give an unequivocal assurance that he would not support any such action?
§ Sir Alec Douglas-HomeI think the right hon. Gentleman's imagination is running too far.