§ 65. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in view of President Tshombe's illness, he will renew his efforts to secure through the United Nations his release and repatriation; and what reasons Mr. Hammarskjöld has given Her Majesty's Government for his failure to persuade the Congolese authorities to respond to the representations made on the Katanga President's behalf.
§ Mr. HeathAs I told my honourable Friend in answer to his Question of 17th May, the United Nations authorities have informed us that they were trying to ensure that Mr. Tshombe is accorded proper treatment, and I understand that they have made representations to the Congolese Government in this sense. The House will, however, be aware that it has been announced that Mr. Tshombe will24W be subjected to trial or internment for a limited period under Congolese law and the matter is therefore one of internal Congolese jurisdiction.
We are naturally concerned that Mr. Tshombe should be properly treated, and I understand that the reports of the United Nations and Red Cross doctors who saw Mr. Tshombe at Coquilhatville show that suggestions that Mr. Tshombe was gravely ill were greatly exaggerated, if not actually untrue. Mr. Tshombe has now been transferred to Leopoldville and I have received a report from Her Majesty's Ambassador there saying that on arrival he seemed to be relaxed and more like his usual self. He showed no trace whatever of injury.