§ 22. Mr. Luardasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which were the provisions of the Security Council's resolution of 20th 20 March which caused the British delegate to abstain.
§ Mr. Goronwy RobertsWe abstained because of our doubts about the legality of the General Assembly's action in purporting to terminate the mandate and assume direct responsibility for South-West Africa. Moreover, this resolution was designed to pave the way for comprehensive mandatory economic sanctions against South Africa under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, which we consider would be neither practicable nor likely to lead to a solution of this problem.
§ Mr. LuardWhatever legalistic reasons may be found for our vote on that occasion, would not my right hon. Friend agree that in the eyes of the world it appears to have been a defence of South Africa's position in South-West Africa? Is it not highly undesirable, especially in view of our long-standing relations with other countries in Africa, that we should appear in this light, in common with only one other member of the United Nations?
§ Mr. RobertsAnybody who heard, or has since read, the detailed statement made by our representative at the United Nations, Lord Caradon, will not have any difficulty in understanding precisely where the United Kingdom stands on this very difficult matter. I am sure that in Africa and Asia, as well as in Europe and America, the position is fully understood following that statement.