§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Lord Privy Seal for what reasons and by what authority the Government decided upon 106W the invalidation of the passports of British subjects serving in the Katanga forces and other forces in the former Belgian Congo.
§ Mr. HeathHer Majesty's Government have consistently made it clear that in their view all military assistance which may, for the time being, be required by the Republic of the Congo should be furnished through the United Nations. In conformity with this policy, our representative on the Security Council voted for a resolution, on 21st February, whichinter alia urged the withdrawal from the Congo of all foreign military and para-military personnel not under United Nations command, and mercenaries. The decision to which my hon. Friend's Question refers was taken in order to carry out the requirements of that resolution.
The grant of passports is a Royal Prerogative exercised through Her Majesty's Ministers. The grant and refusal of United Kingdom passports lies wholly within the discretion of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and passport facilities are refused only on the most substantial grounds of public interest.