asked the Minister for External Affairs if he is in a position to say how long more it is intended that United Nations troops will serve in the Congo; and if any decision has been taken to reduce the strength of the units serving there.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - UN Congo Troops.
8.
As the Deputy is aware the United Nations forces were despatched to the Congo in response to an appeal from the Congolese Government firstly to assist in the maintenance of order and secondly to end the danger to world peace arising from foreign intervention in Congolese affairs.
Already the Secretary-General has announced that he plans to reduce the number of United Nations troops in the Congo by 7,000 before the end of March and it is his intention to withdraw them all at the earliest date consistent with his obligations under the Security Council resolutions.