HC Deb 29 January 1973 vol 849 cc930-1
15. Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will introduce or support at the United Nations a policy of intensifying sanctions against Rhodesia, including sanctions against sanction-breaking countries.

Lord Balniel

We are always prepared to consider on their merits any practical proposals for the more effective enforcement of existing sanctions by the international community. But while there is widespread failure by some countries to enforce these it would be pointless to introduce additional measures.

Mr. Jenkins

Will the Minister consider what action he can take to bring about a more satisfactory enforcement of sanctions by this country and others? Does he not agree that these matters must be dealt with one way or another and that if they are not pursued by increasing sanctions, the tendency will be for the right hon. Gentleman to give way to some of his backbenchers who would like him to remove sanctions?

Lord Balniel

The enforcement of sanctions is a matter for the Sanctions Supervisory Committee of the Security Council.

Mr. Haselhurst

Does my right hon. Friend agree that even if the policy of sanctions cannot be escalated, or even at its present level pursued to a successful conclusion, the corollary is not to give in to the Rhodesian régime but that we can and should still in all honour refuse to give our approval to a régime that goes against the principles that we have long cherished?

Lord Balniel

We have not given our approval to the actions of the Rhodesian régime. We hope that that régime will amend its policies so that ultimately a solution and settlement may be reached.

Mr. Richard

Mr. Smith is reported as having said yesterday that he was not prepared to enter into fresh negotiations with the United Kingdom but was prepared to settle on the terms previously agreed but rejected by the Rhodesian people themselves. Can the right hon. Gentleman confirm that that is in fact the position, that Mr. Smith is not prepared to enter into fresh negotiations? Will he also confirm that the corollary of that is that the Government must set their face firmly against any settlement with Rhodesia on the basis of the agreement that was rejected by the Rhodesian people last year?

Lord Balniel

I cannot confirm that that is the position of Mr. Smith, but, as I have said before, the course of action which seems to be the most constructive and most likely to result in a fruitful settlement is discussions within Rhodesia itself between the Rhodesian régime and the political parties existing in Rhodesia.

Mr. Dixon

Will my noble Friend give some encouragement at least by saying that if the Government are proposing to take some initiative against Rhodesia in the form of sanctions this will be combined with an initiative at the United Nations for sanctions against Uganda?

Lord Balniel

We are not proposing any immediate initiative because, as I have said in answer to a previous supplementary question, we believe that the initiative must result from discussions within Rhodesia herself.