Written question asked by Lord Howard of Lympne (Conservative) on Thursday, 11 June 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 June 1998. It was answered by Robin Cook (Labour) on Thursday, 18 June 1998 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, at what point in the drafting of United Nations Security Resolution 1132 the unambiguous reference to the arms ban applying to both the Government-in-exile of President Kabbah and its replacement was replaced by more general terminology; which governments moved the amendment; what was the position of Her Majesty's Government; if the documents relating to such will be made available to Sir Thomas Legg QC. - (Holding answer 16 June 1998).

Answer: Mr. Howard: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs at what point in the drafting of United Nations Security Resolution 1132 the unambiguous reference to the arms ban applying to both the Government-in-exile of President Kabbah and its replacement was replaced by more general terminology; which Governments moved the amendment; what was the position of Her Majesty's Government; if the documents relating to such will be made available to Sir Thomas Legg QC; and if he will make a statement. [46277] Mr. Robin Cook: [holding answer 16 June 1998]: At no stage during the drafting of Security Council Resolution 1132 did the draft under consideration in New York refer to the arms ban applying to both the Government in exile of President Kabbah and its replacement. The earliest and all subsequent drafts referred only to a ban on the sale or supply of arms and related material to Sierra Leone. Sir Thomas Legg has access to all documents germane to his investigation, including those relating to the drafting of Security Council Resolution 1132.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 314 c304W; 46277
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Arms trade Inquiries Weapons UN resolutions Sanctions Sierra Leone Arms to Sierra Leone Inquiry