HC Deb 24 October 1961 vol 646 c67W
Mr. Kirk

asked the Lord Privy Seal, following the United Nations resolution regarding the employment of mercenaries in the Congo, what information he has regarding the extent to which mercenaries are now employed by Mr. Tshombe.

Mr. Heath

Mr. Tshombe was reported to have made a statement on 26th September to the effect that he was arranging for the immediate removal of remaining mercenaries in accordance with the 21st February resolution. Her Majesty's Consul saw him on 29th September and asked what the position was. He was assured that no white officers remained in the Katanga forces and that any of those who had previously been discharged and tried to offer their services again were being refused. Her Majesty's Consul saw Mr. Tshombe again on 12th October, when Mr. Tshombe reiterated that all had been discharged and were being paid off, but that it was not impossible that a few of them might have gone into hiding. There was, however, no question of their remaining in military service. He made similar remarks to the Press on 15th October.