HC Deb 16 November 1978 vol 958 cc321-2W
Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will hold urgent discussions with presidents of the front-line States about the imminent danger of war between South Africa and Angola, and the effect of this on the situation in Rhodesia.

Mr. Rowlands

The United Kingdom and the other four Western members of the Security Council have expressed concern to the Angolan and Zambian Governments about the situation on the Namibian border and have urged all parties to exercise restraint. My right hon. Friend's concern at the dangers of escalation of the conflict in Southern Africa is well known to all the front-line States.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will consult as a matter of urgency with the Foreign Ministers of the EEC on the threat to peace arising from the movement of South African troops on the frontier between Namibia and Angola.

Mr. Rowlands

France and Germany are working with the United Kingdom in the Five Power initiative and share our concern at the danger of incidents on the Namibian-Angola border. There may be an opportunity in the margins of next week's Foreign Affairs Council for discussion of Southern African issues with all our partners.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will ask the five Western ambassadors to issue a formal warning to South Africa against any threat to the security and territorial integrity of Angola.

Mr. Rowlands

Representatives of the Five in Pretoria have already expressed to the South African Government their Government's concern at the situation on the Namibia-Angola border and the need for restraint by all parties.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Secretary-General of the United Nations has made any report to the Security Council on the situation on the borders of Namibia and Angola.

Mr. Rowlands

No.

Mr. Hooky

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports have been received by the Security Council from the United Nations Commission for Namibia on movements in that country by South African armed forces.

Mr. Rowlands

None that we are aware of.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary ot State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has received any request from Angola for air defence equipment; and. if so, what response has been given.

Mr. Rowlands

No such request has been received.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will raise urgently in the Security Council the threat to peace arising from the movement of troops by South Africa to the borders with Angola.

Mr. Rowlands

No. The five Western members of the Security Council have already taken action with the parties to urge restraint. We shall continue to keep a close watch on the situation.