§ 2.47 p.m.
§ Lord GRIDLEYMy 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 what steps have been taken to secure the recognition of the International Red Cross in Afghanistan, and the return of their representatives to that country.
§ Lord TREFGARNEMy Lords, previous Governments in Afghanistan have recognised the status of the International Red Cross and the present régime have not taken any steps to alter the situation. It is for the International Red Cross to decide whether delegates should return to Afghanistan.
§ Lord GRIDLEYMy Lords, may I ask my noble friend this question? Can he inform your Lordships what action has been taken by Her Majesty's Government, in concert with other Governments or countries, to secure the return of the International Red Cross to Afghanistan as soon as possible? My question to him directly is to ask him what action has been taken in international forums to secure the return of the International Red Cross representatives, who do a magnificent job of work and whose 851 presence in the country must be very badly needed at the present moment.
§ Lord TREFGARNEMy Lords, as I said in my original Answer, it is for the International Red Cross themselves to decide when they should return to Afghanistan. I think that my noble friend does the International Red Cross no service if he suggests that they are subject to pressure by this Government or any other.
§ Lord GRIDLEYMy Lords, I am not asking for any pressure to be put upon the International Red Cross. The International Red Cross have to be recognised, and, apparently, the only way that they can be recognised by the authorities in Afghanistan is through the force of international opinion.
§ Lord TREFGARNEMy Lords, again referring to the original Answer which I gave to my noble friend, I indicated that previous Governments in Afghanistan have recognised the international status of the IRC, and no change has occurred, so far as we know, to that position.
§ Baroness HYLTON-FOSTERMy Lords, would the noble Lord agree that any publicity or pressure at the present moment would be likely only to hinder the International Committee of the Red Cross in the very delicate negotiations which are taking place?
§ Lord TREFGARNEThat again, my Lords, is an internal matter for the International Red Cross, but I am sure that the noble Baroness is right.
§ Lord GORONWY-ROBERTSMy Lords, while appreciating most profoundly the honourable concern of the noble Lord, Lord Gridley, may I ask whether the Minister would agree that, unless and until the international authority of the Red Cross approaches the Government with a view to making representations, whether jointly or diplomatically, to the present Afghan Government, it is not for the Government to move?
§ Lord TREFGARNEMy Lords, that is certainly correct, but we hope that the 852 International Red Cross will be able to return to Afghanistan as soon as possible.