§ 2.54 p.m.
§ LORD BARNBYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper:
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will give assurance that instructions be given to the United Kingdom representative to the United Nations that no assent be given that any combatant action be embarked upon by United Nations' Forces in the Congo.]
THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (THE EARL OF HOME)My Lords, Her Majesty's Government have constantly stressed to the United Nations the importance which they attach to the use of peaceful methods of achieving a solution in the Congo. In his message to member States yesterday the Acting Secretary-General himself repeated his determination to see a solution brought about by peaceful means through the process of conciliation and consultation. Her Majesty's Government's representative in the United Nations of course acts upon Her Majesty's Government's policy and from time to time is given instructions.
§ LORD BARNBYMy Lords, while thanking the Foreign Secretary for the reassuring statement, may I ask him, with regard to the United Nations armed troops in the Congo, whether he is able to give any indication, if there should be any change, that it would be in increased or in decreased numbers?
THE EARL OF HOMEMy Lords, I am afraid I should need notice of that point, as it is not in the original Question.