HL Deb 17 May 1989 vol 507 cc1175-7

2.50 p.m.

Lord Hatch of Lusby asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will support the Soviet Union in its call for observers from the International Red Cross to be sent to northern Namibia to investigate allegations of atrocities by the South African forces against SWAPO guerrillas.

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, the allegations of atrocities and other abuses in the region are not confined to those referred to by the noble Lord. We are encouraging all sides to co-operate with the UN special representative, the administrator general and of course ICRC representatives so that the implementation of the UN plan can proceed with all speed.

Lord Hatch of Lusby

My Lords, does the noble Lord's Answer indicate that the Government are prepared to support the call by the Soviet Union for International Red Cross observers to investigate the alleged atrocities, whatever side they may come from? Is he aware that pictures have been shown on American television which indicate that a considerable number of SWAPO guerrillas were shot at short range in the face and that civilians suffered the same fate? That indicates that they were executed rather than, as had been agreed, returned across the border into Angola.

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, of course I deplore any such atrocities as those to which the noble Lord has referred if they have taken place. I am not saying that they have not but we do not possess the evidence to form a view one way or the other. I believe that the proper way for these allegations to be investigated would be for the special representative and the administrator general to take such investigations in hand, assisted as appropriate by the ICRC, if that is what they wish to do. I am not clear about the status of the suggestion which has been made. I do not believe that it has yet been made formally by anyone.

Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos

My Lords, can the noble Lord say whether the SWAPO troops have withdrawn to Angola? Have the South African troops now left Namibia? Can the Minister say whether Her Majesty's Government are confident that the elections will go forward on 1st July, as has been arranged?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, we believe that the great majority of the SWAPO forces have now withdrawn north of the border; indeed most of them north of the agreed line, which is rather to the north of the border. It is also the case that the South African forces have now withdrawn to their bases within Namibia.

Lord Molloy

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that the House supports him in his condemnation of the atrocities? Is he prepared to take into consideration that, in addition to the role of the United Nations Organisation there, the role which could be played by the International Red Cross has been supported by that very gallant lady, Mrs. Helen Suzman? Does he therefore not think that she and many other people who support the United Nations also believe that the International Red Cross, with its vast experience, could make a civilised contribution?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, yes indeed, the ICRC is making an important contribution. As I understand it, its present role is to determine the identity, the whereabouts and the well-being of those who have been held in detention on both sides. I hope that all parties concerned will give the ICRC maximum co-operation in its task.

Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos

My Lords, I apologise for getting to my feet again. Will the noble Lord be good enough to answer the second part of my question—namely, whether the Government are confident that the elections will go ahead? They are crucial to the situation.

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, the elections are due later this year, in November, as the noble Lord is aware. That is a little way off yet, but we very much hope that the elections will take place on time. We have no reasons to believe that they will not, but of course there is a little water to pass under the bridge yet.

Lord Hatch of Lusby

My Lords, like the Minister, I do not know whether or not there have been atrocities. But evidence has been produced which seems to suggest that there have been. In those circumstances, although I should be the last to denigrate the United Nations, is it not clear that the UN representatives there have been both too few at the crucial time and incompetent when the crisis arose? Does he not agree that if there is a prima facie case that atrocities have taken place and that bodies are being exhumed for post mortem examinations, the International Red Cross would be the appropriate body to make an investigation and report to all the parties concerned, including the United Nations?

Lord Trefgarne

My Lords, as I have said throughout my answers on the matter this afternoon, we do not think that that would be the right way forward. We believe that the United Nations special representative ought to have the maximum support that we can give. We are very happy to make the contribution that we have to the forces in Namibia in order to help the special representative implement the UN plan.