HC Deb 17 February 1969 vol 778 cc16-7W
Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps are being taken by Her Majesty's Government to implement Resolution 2395 passed by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 29th November, 1968, appealing to all States, especially members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, to withhold assistance to Portugal which might enable her to prosecute colonial wars, and to prevent the recruitment or training of mercenaries.

Mr. Foley

The United Kingdom abstained on this Resolution in the General Assembly but, as my hon. Friend knows, Her Majesty's Government do not permit, and have not for some years permitted, the export of arms to Portugal for use in her overseas territories. I am not aware of any attempt to recruit or train mercenaries in this country to fight in the Portuguese overseas territories.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action is being taken by Her Majesty's Government in pursuit of the resolution passed by the General Assembly of the United Nations calling on all States to withhold assistance from Portugal and South Africa until they renounce colonial domination and racial discrimination.

Mr. Foley

My hon. Friend will be aware of the measures taken by Her Majesty's Government in line with or in pursuance of earlier United Nations resolutions relating to South Africa and Portugal. No other action is contemplated by Her Majesty's Government as a result of General Assembly Resolution 2465, against which we voted.