§ 2.41 p.m.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps are being taken to protect the lives of British subjects in Nigeria who are engaged in hospital work, relief work and other services.]
§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, following on the tragic deaths at Okigwi, on September 30, which we deeply regret—and I should like to convey on behalf of Her Majesty's Government our deep sympathy with their family on the death of Mr. and Mrs. Savory, who gave such great and long service in Nigeria as missionary workers—we are discussing with the Federal Government how they, with the assistance of the team of international observers, can best ensure that there is no similar incident in future. The International Committee of the Red Cross, whom I saw last week, are also considering with the Federal Government what steps can be taken, particularly in the light of the recommendations of General Alexander.
§ LORD WADEMy Lords, I am obliged to the noble Lord for that reply, and I should like to join in expressing sympathy with the relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Savory. May I ask whether it is true that in this case Red Cross markings were clearly displayed, but that they provided no safeguards? I would ask the noble Lord whether that aspect of the problem has been looked into, and what is being done to try to ensure that tragedies of this nature do not recur.
§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, the instruction of the International Committee of the Red Cross to their workers in Biafra was that they should remain in their position or in their hospitals when the Federal forces overran the Biafran position. It is true that the building that Mr. and Mrs. Savory were in was clearly marked with red crosses. On the other hand, they were only a few yards away from a very strong defensive position of the Biafran forces. One recommendation that General Alexander made was that when the Federal forces were advancing the Red Cross workers should remove themselves from the direct line of advance, which in most cases is up the main road.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, is my noble friend aware that yesterday the International Red Cross issued instructions to their personnel in the heartland of Biafra that, except when specially required, they should withdraw from that territory? If that is the case, does it not mean that thousands of people will be left open to starvation, as well as to disease? Would it not be possible to declare neutralised areas around the hospitals and other places of relief which would not be subject to attack?
§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, I am not aware that the International Red Cross have said that their Red Cross teams should withdraw from the territory. My understanding is that they have issued an instruction that they should be regrouped into larger numbers, and thereby have more safety. I should welcome neutralised areas if this were possible, just as I had hoped that we might have the mercy corridors through which aid could be brought to the people in Biafra. As the noble Lord knows we have not been able to get Colonel Ojukwu to agree to these mercy corridors.
§ BARONESS SUMMERSKILLMy Lords, while thanking my noble friend for his Answer to this Question, which indicates that the Government are anxious to protect certain categories of civilians, I should like to ask him how he can reconcile his Answer with the fact that the Government are still providing armaments which are being used indiscriminately. Is this not absolutely hypocritical?
§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, my noble friend has asked that question innumerable times. I do not think I can add to my Answer or even satisfy her. I would only say to my noble friend that I have as much concern for all the people of Nigeria as I hope other noble Lords in this House have.
§ BARONESS SUMMERSKILLMy Lords, if my noble friend is all that concerned (and I do not apologise for asking this question again and again), may I ask why he does not stop sending armaments to Nigeria?
§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, I hope I recognise that there are many who would wish us to change our policy. I wish, however, that they would put the same amount of pressure on other people who supply arms and who continually support the rebel régime.
§ LORD BALFOUR OF INCHRYEMy Lords, are the Government satisfied that the Nigerian authorities are taking all possible steps to bring to book those responsible for this monstrous outrage?
§ LORD SHEPHERDYes, my Lords; I am well satisfied.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, may I ask my noble friend whether he is aware that when entering the House this afternoon I was informed officially by the International Red Cross that it is the case that they are asking for the withdrawal of their personnel, except those who are specially required? Otherwise, of course, I should not have asked the question.
§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, the noble Lord has information that is not available to me. I am bound to say that it would surprise me very much, because it would be contrary to the Statute under which the International Red Cross operate.