HC Deb 29 June 1964 vol 697 cc159-60W
85. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement about the safety of British missionaries and other British subjects in disturbed provinces of the Congo.

Mr. R. A. Butler

We are, of course, concerned about the safety of British missionaries and other British subjects in the Congo. The area principally affected is in the vicinity of Albertville in North Katanga, where the Congolese National Army are opposing the activities of Jeunesse rebels. So far we have no indication that any British subject has been harmed. With the exception of two missionaries, who are reported to have moved from Albertville into Tanganyika, the missionaries in this area appear to have remained at their stations. In central Kivu, one British missionary with the Swedish mission at Lemera has been evacuated to Bukavu and is reported safe.

Her Majesty's Consul at Elisabethville recently visited Albertville to investigate the situation personally. He was, however, unable to reach the town from the airport. Her Majesty's Ambassador at Leopoldville has also visited Elisabethville to investigate. Our representatives are watching the situation closely and are doing all they can.