§ Mr. Warbeyasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what reply he has made to the official representations from the Indian Government alleging the dissemination by the British Press and the British Broadcasting Corporation of false or tendentious reports about the behaviour of the Indian troops during the recent United Nations operations in Katanga.
§ Mr. SandysNo official representations were made by the Indian Government. However, in view of the public interest which was aroused in India by these reports, the following statement was issued from Admiralty House on 28th September
The Prime Minister has sent a message to Mr. Nehru expressing deep regret at the casualties suffered by Indian forces serving with the United Nations in Katanga. He has also made it clear that at no stage has the British Government given any support to allegations of inhumane conduct by Indian troops in the Congo. He has told Mr. Nehru that now, as always, the British Government holds the Indian Army in the highest regard.