HC Deb 22 February 1962 vol 654 c76W
73. Sir A. V. Harvey

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he will make a statement on the report of the commission appointed by the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland to investigate the crash of the aircraft carrying Mr. Hammerskjold and members of his staff.

Mr. Sandys

The report of the Commission of Inquiry which was published on 9th February shows that the Federal authorities and the Commission have conducted the most exhaustive and diligent investigation into the cause of the crash of Mr. Hammarskjold's aircraft. After considering every conceivable other reason, such as sabotage, attack from the air or ground, and aircraft failure, the Commission reached the conclusion that the aircraft was allowed by the pilots to descend too low during its approach to Ndola airport and that as a result it struck trees and was brought to the ground.

Her Majesty's Government trust that this authoritative report will finally dispel any doubts to which the circumstances of this tragic accident have given rise.

I am arranging for a copy of the Report to be placed in the Library of the House.