Zaire

HC Deb 26 July 1978 vol 954 cc1533-4

3. Mr. George Rodgers

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a further statement on foreign involvement in Zaire.

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr. Edward Rowlands)

The Government welcome the steps taken by African leaders to improve relations between Zaire and Angola and believe that this is an important step towards resolving the problems which have led to foreign intervention in Zaire.

Mr. Rodgers

Does my hon. Friend agree that there are widespread press reports of Cuban and Soviet involvement in the Zaire uprising? Will he take this opportunity to confirm or correct those reports?

Mr. Rowlands

As I have said before, we have no direct or clear evidence about any Cuban involvement in the invasion of Shaba. Cuba could have been involved in the organisation of it in Angola. But that is water under the bridge now. The most constructive and valuable contribution was the meeting between President Neto and President Mobuto in Khartoum recently.

Mr. Blaker

Is it true that because of defence cuts the British Government would be unable to organise a parachute drop of the kind made by the French and Belgian Governments in Zaire if it were necessary to save British subjects?

Mr. Rowlands

The Prime Minister has answered that question on many occasions since the Shaba incident.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

Does my hon. Friend agree that the logical consequence of the Leader of the Opposition's rather emotional and hysterical demand that we should stand up to Russian and Cuban intervention in Africa is the potential involvement of Britain in a Vietnam type of situation in Africa and, certainly, the involvement of British troops and possibly conscription?

Mr. Rowlands

There are considerable differences between the two sides about the way to handle the African situation. We believe in the line that we have been taking. That line is supported throughout Africa. We believe that the countries concerned should resolve their own problems.

Mr. Rifkind

Does the Minister agree that it is in the vital interest of Zaire and the western world that copper production in Shaba Province should be brought to full capacity as soon as possible? What discussions are taking place with the Zaire Government to try to encourage European technicians to return to Shaba as soon as possible?

Mr. Rowlands

The French and Belgian Governments have been involved in this issue more than we have. Our role in the copper developments in Shaba was small and we sent few people there. We are in close consultation with our partners on issues of this kind.

Mr. John Davies

There is no doubt on the Opposition side of the House that it is desirable for African problems to be solved within Africa. Is not that all the more reason for us to take the most vehement action to get the Cubans out?

Hon. Members

How?

Mr. Rowlands

It is right to challenge new forms of imperialism of the Soviet and Cuban type in Africa. But the right hon. Member's recommendation about a western-sponsored European paramilitary organisation is completely antipathetic and is deeply resented by most of the people in Africa.