§ 2.36 p.m.
§ LORD OGMOREMy 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 there is a chance of successful mediation by other Commonwealth Governments in the dispute between the Nigerian Federal Government on the one hand and the Eastern Regional Government on the other, and if so whether they will use their good offices to bring about this mediation.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS (LORD BESWICK)My Lords, we want to see Nigeria and her people emerge peacefully united from their present difficulties, and are very ready to do anything reasonable to help. We would not, of course, attempt 2 to use our good offices uninvited. I cannot speak for the position of other Commonwealth Governments.
§ LORD OGMOREMy Lords, is it possible to do something through the Secretariat of the Commonwealth Conference? Is it possible that the Secretary-General might be able to arrange mediation, not necessarily from us, but from one of the other Commonwealth countries?
§ LORD BESWICKMy Lords, I am sure that the Secretary-General is greatly concerned, as we all are, at any situation of this kind in any member State of the Commonwealth. I know that he is well informed of what is happening. Mr. Adu, his assistant, was there recently. However, it is not for me to say what the Secretary-General may or may not do.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, in view of the fact that our Government are part of the Commonwealth Secretariat, is it not possible for them to take the initiative in urging upon the Commonwealth Secretariat that they should use their good offices in this matter?
§ LORD BESWICKMy Lords, our good will, and the good will of the Commonwealth generally, is well known; but, as my noble friend is well aware, Nigeria is an independent country. We do not necessarily help by appearing to be interfering in the affairs of another country.