HC Deb 13 December 1965 vol 722 cc888-90
8 and 9. Mr. Hamling

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) what progress is being made in the implementation of the United Nations resolution on Rhodesia;

(2) what discussions he has had with Foreign Ministers from countries within and outside the Commonwealth on sanctions against Rhodesia.

22. Mr. Jackson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations he has made to the South African and Portuguese Governments seeking their co-operation in imposing sanctions against the illegal Smith régime in Southern Rhodesia.

24. Mr. Edward M. Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what discussions he has had with the Governments of the Republics of France, Spain, Portugal and South Africa regarding their policy towards the Rhodesian problem; and, in particular, whether he has established the extent to which they will co-operate in Her Majesty's Government's policy of sanctions against Rhodesia.

Mr. George Thomson

We have made representations to all Governments with which we have diplomatic relations seeking their support, in accordance with the Security Council resolution of 20th November, for the economic measures we have taken against the illegal régime. We have obtained a very wide measure of support.

Mr. Hamling

Will my hon. Friend tell the House in some detail what proposals the Government have made in this regard?

Mr. Thomson

Perhaps my hon. Friend will excuse me for not going into detail in a supplementary answer when there are a number of other Questions to follow. We have been to all the countries with which we have diplomatic relations and we have had a very good response in terms of an embargo on the main ex ports from Rhodesia.

Mr. Jackson

Can the Minister tell us, in terms of that very good response, what has been the reaction of Portugal and South Africa to their collaboration in possible oil sanctions?

Mr. Thomson

Yes, Sir. The Portuguese Government is considering our representations. It has not recognised the illegal régime in Rhodesia and has said that it has no wish to obstruct communications with Zambia. The South African Government has not recognised Rhodesian independence, but has said that it will maintain normal intercourse with Rhodesia. We are continuing to make diplomatic representations to both those Governments.

Mr. Farr

In view of the desirability of settling this matter within the Com- monwealth if possible, would the hon. Gentleman be good enough to confirm that every attention will be paid to the Prime Minister of Nigeria's visit to London this week to see if a Commonwealth initiative cannot be launched on this?

Mr. Thomson

Yes, indeed. We very warmly wecome the distinguished Prime Minister of Nigeria who is coming to this country tomorrow and we hope that discussions between the Prime Minister and Her Majesty's Government will be fruitful.

Mr. William Hamilton

Can my hon. Friend say how many countries have fully implemented the United Nations resolution or have given an indication that they intend to do so? Can he further say what pressures Her Majesty's Government are bringing to bear on those countries which have indicated, by one means or another, that they do not wish to follow the resolution?

Mr. Thomson

I do not think that the matter can be defined easily in the terms in which my hon. Friend has put it, because the United Nations resolution covered a number of matters, including an oil embargo, on which it has not been possible to gain international agreement in its implementation. The greater number of countries with whom we have friendly relations have taken positive action in support of the measures we have carried out.

Lady Tweedsmuir

Concerning the United Nations resolution on Rhodesia and the reservations made by Her Majesty's Government that this resolution did not come under Chapter VII of the Charter, can the Minister of State say whether Her Majesty's Government consider that it comes under Chapter VI?

Mr. Thomson

These questions relating to the United Nations Charter sometimes have a theological quality to them. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister put the matter exactly when he said that, in the view of Her Majesty's Government, this particular resolution came somewhere between Chapters VI and VII.