§ 8. Mr. Whiteheadasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, in view of the threat to the peace of Africa of the present situation in Uganda, he will raise the matter at the United Nations.
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr. Edward Rowlands)The Organisation of African Unity has been actively involved in attempts to find a solution.
In present circumstances we see no likelihood that the necessary support for effective action in the United Nations would be forthcoming.
§ Mr. WhiteheadDoes my hon. Friend agree that the overwhelming majority of Members of Parliament, regardless of their political viewpoint, wish to see this murderous regime overthrown? Will he take up with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees the question of the increasing flow of refugees from Uganda which may well become a flood if by some dire mischance Amin is able to hang on for a few more weeks or months to exact his vengeance?
§ Mr. RowlandsI am sure that hon. Members on both sides of the House share an absolute abhorrence of the Amin regime and the atrocities committed under it. We shall remain closely in touch with all the agencies involved in the refugee problem which could, as my hon. Friend said, become quite a large one.
§ Mr. William SheltonHas the Minister received reports of Libyan intervention in Uganda? If so, will he condemn this intervention?
§ Mr. RowlandsYes, we have received reports of that. We cannot, of course, confirm the intervention, because we have no detailed information and no real ability to get information on what is going on inside Uganda, but we certainly condemn it.