HC Deb 19 February 1976 vol 905 cc813-5W
28. Mr. Robert Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will now accord diplomatic recognition to the Government of the Popular Republic of Angola, in view of the acceptance of that Government for full membership of the OAU.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will now, in view of the recent statement by the OAU, recognise the MPLA as the legitimate Government in Angola.

Mr. Ennals

Her Majesty's Government recognised the People's Republic of Angola and its Government in Luanda on 18th February.

Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a further statement on the outcome of the investigations made by his Department to seek to elicit the facts about the massacre of 14 British mercenaries in Angola on the instructions of their own officers.

Mr. Ennals

No investigation has been undertaken by my Department. A report on an investigation by the Metropolitan Police into these allegations was submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who consulted the Attorney-General. The text of a Press statement released by New Scotland Yard on 12th February has been placed in the Library.

Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many additional British mercenary soldiers are known to have left Great Britain for service in Angola since the Prime Minister's statement of 10th February; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ennals

No records are kept of individuals leaving the United Kingdom. Applications for passports from people who are going to Angola as mercenaries or who are known organisers of mercenary activities will be refused. My right hon. Friend has also authorised the withdrawal of passports from such mercenaries and from known organisers of Angolan mercenary activities. Passports have been withdrawn from mercenaries who have returned from Angola. Persons affected may apply to have their passports restored, but my right hon. Friend will require a written undertaking that they will not go to Angola for mercenary activities.