HC Deb 22 August 1940 vol 364 c1504W
Mr. Cocks

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information regarding the present position in the Belgian Congo; and whether M. de Vleeschauwer has now taken up his duties as administrator?

Mr. Butler

Since 18th June the Belgian Minister for the Colonies, who is in London, has been exercising the full powers with which he has been invested as Administrator-General of the Belgian Colonies. The local administration is under the Governor-General, M. Ryckmans, who declared on 25th June that the resources of the Congo were at the entire service of the Alliance. Certain economic problems arising for the Congo as a result of the enemy occupation of Belgium are under discussion with His Majesty's Government.