Biggs-Davisonasked the Lord Privy Seal what information he has from the United Nations about the present and contemplated strength of the Armée Nationale Congolaise, and how this compares with the Force Publique before the independence of the Belgian Congo; what progress has been made with assisting the Congolese Government to provide national security forces able to meet fully their tasks, in accordance with the United Nations Security Council's resolution; and what is being done to furnish technical assistance through French-speaking officers.
§ Mr. HeathThe present strength of theArmée Nationale Congolaise is about 25,000. This is similar to the total of the Force Publique at the time independence was attained. Various projects for training the Congolese forces are under discussion with the United Nations, but it is not possible to say at this stage what final strength is contemplated. Meanwhile, a number of Belgian officers are already co-operating with the Congolese Army.