§ Mr. Brockwayasked the Lord Privy Seal what action he took in reply to the request of the hon. Member for Eton and Slough on 8th February to make inquiries regarding United Nations inquiries into the death of Patrice Lumumba whilst in custody in Katanga.
§ Mr. Ormsby Gore:The day following the receipt of the hon. Gentleman's request the authorities in Katanga announced that Mr. Lumumba had escaped from imprisonment and later stated that he had been killed by tribesmen. Her Majesty's Government naturally deplore this event. It seems likely to complicate still further the problems of the Congo.
As the hon. Gentleman will also be aware, the Secretary-General of the United Nations has suggested in the Security Council that the United Nations should hold an inquiry into this matter. This suggestion will no doubt be discussed at the meeting of the Security Council which is still in session.