§ 20. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action was taken by the British delegation at the United Nations when UNESCO decided to finance jointly with Sweden the revolutionary movement MPLA which operates against an ally of Her Majesty, Portgual; 1247 whether he will publish the subscriptions of the United Nations and its agencies to so-called liberation movements; and what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards these bodies, in view of the British taxpayers' money contributed to them and their abuse of the United Nations Charter.
§ Lord BalnielWe have repeatedly made clear our opposition to the provision of assistance by United Nations bodies to movements which practise violence for political ends. However, we maintain our traditional support for aid to refugees given through their host Governments. We know of no instance of the United Nations or the specialised agencies giving funds direct to MPLA or any other liberation movement.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonIf I give evidence to my right hon. Friend, will he consider it very carefully, because many of us find it repugnant that the United Nations flag should fly in Parliament Square at a time when it is common knowledge that the world organisation is being misused and our contributions are being misused against our interests and our allies? A peace organisation is being misused for making war and is assisting the making of war.
§ Lord BalnielAgain, I shall consider any evidence which my hon. Friend may care to produce, but UNESCO does not give funds direct to the MPLA or any other liberation movement, to my knowledge.
§ Mr. JuddDoes not the Minister agree that, in the preoccupation with liberation movements, we should not overlook the institutionalised violence of the Government of South Africa and of the régime in Rhodesia? In the light of the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference, where we did not dissent from the collective view expressed in the communiqué, would not the Minister agree that the British Government have a responsibility to provide for and assist liberation movements in Southern Africa?
§ Lord BalnielThat is very far from the Question on the Order Paper. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to raise that point, I suggest that he puts a Question down.