§ 2.41 p.m.
§ LORD COLYTONMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they received any report that the United Nations authorities in the Congo are again seeking to send forces to the towns of Jadotville and Kolwezi in Katanga.]
§ LORD COLYTONMy Lords, will my noble friend instruct our representatives at the United Nations to warn the authorities there of the danger of formulating any such demands as were formulated, as we know, in February? These demands, which, if pressed, would inevitably lead to further fighting, would also defeat the whole purpose of the presence of the United Nations in the Congo by making the Katanga a State which could not contribute in any way to the economy of the Congo.
THE EARL OF HOMEMy Lords, I do not disagree with what my noble friend has said, but the Question I was asked was: Had I 814
received any report that the United Nations authorities in the Congo are again seeking to send forces to the towns of Jadotville and Kolwezi in Katanga.And my answer was, No. I have no such report and, indeed, I have no reason to think that this is proposed.
§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYMy Lords, I should like to ask my noble friend if he will make inquiries as to whether there is any substance in substantial rumours of which I have heard that such is the case.
THE EARL OF HOMEMy Lords, I have never answered a question in your Lordships' House without first making inquiries.