§ 39. Mr. Wyattasked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will arrange for a White Paper to be published describing the course of British policy in the Congo, and the circumstances leading up to Her Majesty's Government's present policy.
§ Mr. HeathThe course of British policy in the Congo has been explained many times in this House and elsewhere and most recently on 14th December by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and myself.
§ 50. Mr. Brockwayasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will propose to the General Secretary of the United Nations that a goodwill mission to the Congo should be appointed composed of representatives of African States with a view to reaching agreement between the Central Government and Katanga and Stanleyville.
§ Mr. HeathI am glad to say that a meeting between Mr. Adoula and Mr. Tshombe is planned to take place at Kitona later today. This is the outcome of the concerted efforts of the French, United States and Her Majesty's Governments and of the United Nations.
§ 54. Mr. Martenasked the Lord Privy Seal what is the proportion of the total cost of the United Nations activities in the Congo which is borne by the United States of America and the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. HeathThe United States is assessed to pay 32.51 per cent. of the costs of the United Nations operation in the Congo; the United Kingdom, 7.78 per cent. Of the contributions so far paid to the United Nations, the United States contribution represents 51.5 per cent. and the United Kingdom contribution 12.4 per cent.
§ Mr. Brockwayasked the Lord Privy Seal on what grounds the delegate of the United Kingdom at the United Nations abstained from voting on the resolution authorising action to end the secession of Katanga from the Congo.
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§ Mr. HeathThe operative paragraphs of the resolution were aimed solely at the Katanga, while we are opposed to secession everywhere in the Congo. It did not contain any specific reference to conciliation, to which we attach the highest importance. It contained no reference to the cease-fire agreement.