Rhodesian Aid To Katanga Denied

Press, Volume C, Issue 29671, 15 November 1961, Page 19

Rhodesian Aid To Katanga Denied

( N -Z-P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) NEW YORK, November 14. Britain yesterday denied “veiled” Ethiopian charges that the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland had supplied military aid to the secessionist Congo Province of Katanga. Britain’s resident United Nations representative (Sir Patrick Dean) also rebutted allegations that the Federation, “and by implication the United Kingdom,” favoured Katanga’s secession.

The charges came from Dr. Tesfaye Gebre-Egzy (Ethiopia) as the United Nations Security Council met to consider the situation in Katanga arising from renewed clashes between Katangese and Central Government forces and the "lawless acts of mercenaries.”

Dr. Gebre-Egzy quoted a statement by a Congolese Government official to the effect that Rhodesia had sent reinforcements to Katanga. He said it was not for him to present evidence,* but "we all know the esteem in which Mr Tshombe (President of Katanga) is held in the Rhodes ias and South Africa.” “Never Denied” Replying to Sir Patrick Dear’s intervention, Mr Gebre-Egzy said reports that Rhodesian Air Force aircraft had been used to transport Mr Tshombe had never been officially denied. He alleged that Rhodesian mercenaries were serving with the Katangese forces. “If this is not interference, what is it?” he •Ssked.

Mr Gebre-iEgzy and the Foreign Minister of the Central Congolese Government <Mr Justin Bomboko) asked the council to authorise United Nations support for Central Government action to

end Katanga’s secession and weed out the mercenaries. Mr Bomiboko described Mr Tshombe as "nothing but a figurehead” directed from outside by the forces of imperialism and neo-colonial-ism.

He said the Congo expected the United Nations to furnish direct assistance so that there was “real and effective co-operation” between the Congo Government and the United Nations forces. Mr Bomiboko also asked that the mercenaries, who had “resumed their odious policy” in Katanga, be handed over and tried by Congolese tribunals.

The Congo debate, the first since last February, later adjourned until tomorrow.