§ 11.11 a.m.
§ Lord BROCKWAYMy 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 make a Statement on the situation in Vanuatu (the New Hebrides).
§ Lord TREFGARNEMy Lords, the New Hebrides became independent on 30th July. They adopted the name of Vanuatu, and became the 44th member of the Commonwealth. On 29th July the Government of Vanuatu asked both Britain and France to leave our troops in the country for a total of three weeks after independence. We and the French have both acceded to this request. British and French officials met in London yesterday as a prelude to a ministerial meeting on 12th August. Ministers will then consider how we can best help the Vanuatu Government to deal with their problems on the island of Santo.
§ Lord BROCKWAYBut, my Lords, does not the rebellion still continue, and have not the British and French Governments very great responsibility, in view of the divisive policy under the condominium which led to this situation? May I ask the noble Lord whether it would not have been comparatively easy to arrest the leaders of the rebellion during the arrow stage, and can he confirm whether large amounts of American ammunition are now being sent to the rebels, as well as dynamite for blowing up bridges? Constructively, could the British Government not enter into discussions with the Governments of Australia, Fiji and Papua 1762 New Guinea for a settlement of this problem?
§ Lord TREFGARNEMy Lords, we have always preferred to solve this matter peacefully rather than by means of arresting people left, right and centre, or by military action, and that I think we have achieved.
§ Lord GORONWY-ROBERTSMy Lords, may I ask the noble Lord whether he is aware that it is most gratifying that there is this continuing, or, perhaps, resuming, co-operation between us and the French in supporting the democratically-elected government of Father Lini in Vanuatu? Everybody will hope that when the Papua New Guinea contingent arrives, either on Santo or Vila, there will be co-operation with that third element in what is essentially a peace-keeping force well within the terms of what was approved on previous, similar occasions by the United Nations Organisation. Can the noble Lord be explicit about disposing of the rumours that quantities of arms and ammunition have been shipped to Santo from, one hears, the United States of America? It would be helpful if the Minister could dispose of that rumour. Some of us believe that such rumours are unfounded, but I am not aware that there has been a ministerial statement to this effect. Perhaps the noble Lord can help the House.
Finally, in talking about co-operation, we presume that, as always, there are the best possible relations between our soldiers in the New Hebrides—Vanuatu—and the local population.
§ Lord TREFGARNEMy Lords, if I may answer the last supplementary question first, it appears to be the case that our troops have enjoyed their detachment in the New Hebrides thus far; for no less than five, I understand, have become engaged to local ladies. As to the rumours of the arms supplied to the rebels, the evidence to support those rumours is purely circumstantial and is not so far supported by any real facts. But we have asked our High Commissioner to look into them.
§ Lord BROCKWAYMy Lords, is the noble Lord able to answer the supplementary question that I put to him as to 1763 whether the Government will enter into discussions with Australia, Fiji and Papua New Guinea in order to deal with those problems? Is it not the case that the present government there not only obtained an overwhelming majority in the New Hebrides but even a majority on the island of Santo?
§ Lord TREFGARNEYes, my Lords, it is the case that the Government there achieved a real majority in the recent elections. They are now an independent nation with a duly elected Government and thus the question of alliance with Australia or Papua New Guinea must be one for them.
§ Lord LEATHERLANDMy Lords, my concern being with the five young ladies who are engaged to the British troops, when the troops return to Britain will permission be given to the five young ladies to accompany them?
§ Lord TREFGARNEMy Lords, I am not sure whether the young ladies will wish to accompany the soldiers in question or whether the soldiers would prefer to remain in the New Hebrides.