§ 54. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Lord Privy Seal what is the purpose of the latest United Nations military activities in Katanga; and what instructions have been given to the United Nations forces stationed there.
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§ Mr. HeathI presume my hon. Friend is referring to the incident which occurred at Kabalo in North Katanga on 7th April. The Security Council resolution of 21st February instructed the United Nations to take measures to prevent civil war and halt all military operations in the Congo. At Kabalo the action taken by the United Nations force was intended to prevent clashes between rival forces in Katanga.
We are not informed of the details of the instructions issued to the United Nations troops in the area, but the Security Council resolution empowers the use of force only in the last resort to prevent armed clashes.