HC Deb 09 May 1973 vol 856 cc488-9
33. Mr. Douglas-Mann

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will raise at the United Nations, as a threat to world peace, the proposed supply of arms by France to the Government of Uganda.

Sir Alec Douglas-Home

No, Sir. We have been in touch with the French Government about Press reports on this subject and they have assured us these reports are without foundation.

Mr. Douglas-Mann

That report is extremely welcome, if it is accurate. Will the Foreign Secretary take the opportunity of asking his right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, when he confers with President Pompidou, to ask the French to ensure that no such supply takes place, because to supply arms in this context would be to drop a detonator into a powder keg?

Sir Alec Douglas-Home

I have myself made these representations to the French Government, and I have received this answer. I have no reason to believe that it is not accurate.