§ LORD ROWLEYMy 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 to what extent they would contribute to a Commonwealth peace-keeping force as part of a settlement of the Nigerian Civil War.]
§ THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS (LORD SHEPHERD)My Lords, a peace-keeping force could operate in Nigeria only with the full co-operation of both sides in the Nigerian dispute and on the basis of a request from the Nigerians themselves. The peace talks now going on at Kampala have reached a delicate stage, and it is too soon to say whether the two sides will be able to reach agreement on conditions in which the introduction of an outside presence would be possible. But, as my right honourable friend said in another place on 9 April
If there were a general desire by the Nigerians for a Commonwealth Force we would be ready to consider very carefully whether we would participate in it."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, Commons, col. 1064]
§ LORD ROWLEYMy Lords, while appreciating my noble friend's reply, may I ask him whether Her Majesty's Government would consider consulting with other Commonwealth Governments with a view to establishing a Commonwealth force of observers which could be available to supervise any cease-fire arrangements, which we hope will not be long delayed?
§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, I share my noble friend's hope that ceasefire arrangements can be arrived at in Kampala. As to how both sides would wish to see that cease-fire brought into being—because it is one thing to seek an arrangement and another to bring it into practice—we should of course be ready 1112 to listen to their views. Then we should be most ready to consult with our Commonwealth friends.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, while appreciating my noble friend's statement that Her Majesty's Government would consider this proposal on its acceptance by the two sides, is he not aware that some time ago the Biafran Administration stated that they would accept an independent force and that yesterday, at Kampala, the Federal representative said the same? In view of the fact that both sides have now accepted this proposal, will the Government actively pursue it to bring it to fulfilment?
§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, I am well aware of those two statements, but I am bound to say that there is a divergence of conditions and understandings by both parties in this matter. However, we will do all we can to bring a ceasefire and final peace to Nigeria. As I have said to my noble friend, we place the greatest reliance upon Mr. Arnold Smith, who is showing tremendous resource and ingenuity in Kampala.
§ BARONESS SUMMERSKILLMy Lords, can my noble friend tell me whether we are still continuing to give arms to one side in this civil war?
§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, I think that question could well be asked as a supplementary question to-morrow. It is rather wide of this Question.