Nigeria

HC Deb 17 February 1969 vol 778 cc7-8W

41 and 42. Mr. Heffer

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what representations he has made to the Nigerian Federal Government concerning their requisition of the British ship "Enugu Palm" and its use to transfer troops from Lagos to Port Harcourt; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what is the policy of the British Government concerning the use of British merchant ships for the carrying of Federal Nigerian troops in the restricted area of Nigeria; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Foley

No representations were made. The position was fully explained in my right hon. Friend's letter to my hon. Friend of 24th January.

59. Mr. James Griffiths

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consideration was given in the recent discussions he had with Chief Awolowo, of the Nigerian Federal Government, to the proposals made by Chief Awolowo for the reorganisation of the internal structure of the Federation as a basis for a negotiated peace.

Mr. Foley

We are deeply concerned to see a negotiated peace, but it is not for us to settle details of their constitutional arrangements with the Nigerians. Chief Awolowo confirmed to us the Nigerian Government's view that proposals such as his own for the future structure of the Federation will be open for discussion at the proposed Constitutional Conference once peace is restored.

64. Mr. Tilney

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will include in arms sent by Her Majesty's Government to the Federal Government of Nigeria delayed action fuses so that carnage among civilians as the result of bombing of airstrips can be avoided.

Mr. Foley

Any means of reducing civilian casualties is welcome, but no bombs or parts for bombs are supplied to the Federal Government of Nigeria from this country.

73. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish the statement made by the Minister of State on Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the Nigerian Civil War at the Ministerial meeting at Luxembourg on 7th February, 1969.

75. Dr. Gray

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reply he gave to the proposal for an international ban on arms to Nigeria and Biafra put forward by Signor Zagari on behalf of the Italian Government at the recent Western European Union Conference on European Unity.

Mr. Foley

The proceedings at this meeting were confidential. Our attitude to proposals for an arms ban is indicated in my reply to an earlier Question by the hon. Member for Cambridge (Mr. Lane).

Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs why British arms supplies to Nigeria have increased since June 1967.

Mr. Foley

Because the Nigerian Government's requirements have increased, in the face of an armed movement to break up their country.