Calling for Law and Order

Abstract

In Britain’s eyes, ‘law and order’ was the most basic Congolese requirement. It therefore became the very cornerstone of British policy in respect of that country, shaping most of her reactions to Congolese matters. Indeed, so often did the phrase figure in the statements of her spokespeople that it became something in the nature of a distinctively British incantation.

‘The basic trouble in these primitive areas of Africa is that directly the white officers are removed from the police and the army there is no discipline and no loyalty to authority.’ (The Foreign Secretary)¹