HAMMARSKJOLD WARNS U.N.

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29383, 9 December 1960, Page 17

HAMMARSKJOLD WARNS U.N.

Effect Of Congo Withdrawal (N.Z. Press Association—Copy nghr) (Rec. 11 p.m.) NEW YORK, December 8. The Soviet Union is expected to renew its onslaught on the Secretary-General, Mr Dag Hammarskjold, and his Congo policies today in the wake of his warning that “everything would crumble” if the United Nations operation in the stricken republic were withdrawn. In a measured statement in the Security Council last night, Mr Hammarskjold said he feared that pulling out the United Nations force would open the way to intervention by national interests.

The Soviet Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr Valerian Zorin, who is president of the council this month, indicated that he would be pressing the attack on Mr Hammarskjold today when he challenged the West to let him speak last night instead of adjourning the debate. He said that the real motive behind the adjournment move—made by Argentina—was that “certain Western representatives are reluctant to listen now to some critical remarks addressed to their own policies, as well as to the actions of the Secretary-General.” The Soviet Union initiated, the new round of council debate in a

bid to have the United Nations principal enforcement organ order the release of the former Prime Minister of the Congo. Mr Patrice Lurriumba. who is being detained by the Congolese Army. He was arrested last week after fleeing from hns residence in Leopoldville. The Soviet delegation has tabled a draft resolution in the council calling for Mr Lumumba’s release, the disarming of the Congolese Army—described in the document as “terrorist bands” —the withdrawal of Belgians and the resumption of “the activities of the lawful Government and Parliament” of the Congo. Britain, the United States, Argentina and Italy jointly sponsored a rival draft proposing “humanitarian” measures including the dispatch of International Red Cross representatives to “examine detained persons.”

It would also have Mr Hammarskjold “continue his efforts to assist the Republic of the Congo in the restoration of law and order throughout its territory and in ensuring respect for the human dignity of all persons within the country.”

The Soviet Union is expected to veto the Western draft, while its own appears unlikely to obtain the necessary number of votes for adoption. Thus, observers said, the issue would probably be pitchforked into the General Assembly, where there is already a Congo item waiting to be debated.