§ 75. Mr. Brockwayasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on the agreement signed between the United Nations and the Government of Katanga confirming the arrangements for a cease fire.
§ Mr. HeathCentral Government troops withdrew from the Western part of the Katanga about a week ago. In Northern Katanga the provincial Government appear to have lost control of Albertville to Baluba tribesmen. I have no confirmation of reports that Central Government troops from Kivu province have reached there. Elsewhere the situation appears to be calm, except that the refugee camp in Elisabethville remains a cause of anxiety. The cease-fire agreement between the United Nations and the provincial Government remains in force.
§ 76. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Lord Privy Seal what protest has been made against United Nations interference with communications, particularly in code, between Her Majesty's Consul-General in Elisabethville and London; and what has been the result.
§ Mr. HeathNone. Interruptions in communications with Her Majesty's Consul were the result of fighting in 59W Elisabethville and consequent damage at the post office. After the fighting Her Majesty's Embassy at Leopoldville made representations to the United Nations about the earliest possible restoration of consular communications.
§ 87. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Lord Privy Seal what proposals have been made in the United Nations for an independent inquiry to be held into the allegations by United Nations functionaries, and others, that Katanga broke the cease-fire agreement and acted aggressively in the former Belgian Congo.
§ 88. Mr. Marshasked the Lord Privy Seal if Her Majesty's Government will make representations through the United Nations about the supply by the West German Government of five Dornier 28 aircraft in violation of the cease-fire agreement between the United Nations and Katanga forces.
§ Mr. HeathNo. It is understood these aircraft were ordered through a commercial firm without the knowledge of the Federal German Government, which has taken steps to stop any further exports. Her Majesty's Government have no status to intervene.
§ Mr. Rankinasked the Lord Privy Seal what measures have been taken by Her Majesty's Government since the United Nations Security Council resolution of 21st February, 1961, to ensure that no British subject or British-protected person has joined the mercenary forces in the employ of the Katanga Government.
§ Mr. HeathApplicants for passports who wish to travel to the Congo, or whom it is suspected may be trying to go there as mercenaries, are asked to sign a declaration that they have no such intention. Consular officers have where possible invalidated or withdrawn the passport of any United Kingdom national who takes up a military engagement in the Congo other than under United Nations command.