§ 71. Mr. David Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on what instructions World Health Organisa- 8W tion officials were told not to send warnings about dangerous drugs direct to Rhodesia after 7th November last; and what steps the British Government has taken to see that such information reaches Rhodesian doctors subsequently.
Mr. George ThompsonNo such instructions were sent by Her Majesty's Government nor, so far as I am aware, by any other authority. I explained the position in my reply of 20th February to the hon. Gentleman the Member for Southend, West (Mr. Channon). We have recently taken steps with the World Health Organisation Secretariat to improve arrangements in this field.—[Vol. 741, c.199.]
§ 79 and 89. Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) if he will now refer to the International Court of Justice the question of the legality of the use of United Nations sanctions in order to settle a domestic dispute between a sovereign State and one of its dependencies;
(2) what independent legal advice was obtained by Her Majesty's Government before referring to the United Nations the domestic dispute between the British and Rhodesian peoples.
§ Mr. George ThomsonHer Majesty's Government have given the legal aspects of this question the most careful consideration. They are entirely satisfied that everything which they have done and which the United Nations have done in connection with the situation in Rhodesia is fully in accord with the Charter. The question of a reference to the International Court of Justice therefore does not arise.
§ 107. Mr. Hugh Fraserasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many countries have now passed, or are in process of passing, legislation to make sanctions mandatory against Rhodesia.
§ Mr. George ThomsonThe Secretary-General's first report under Security Council Resolution No. 232 was circulated on 24th February. It is under study by officials.
Seventy-two countries have replied to the Secretary-General's two requests for information dated 17th December and 13th January. The great majority have 9W reported that they have taken measures which they consider necessary in order to comply with the provisions of the Resolution. Several States have reported that they have had no trade or other relations with Southern Rhodesia and most of the others have indicated that they had initiated or were initiating legislative action necessary to ensure full compliance.
As soon as a copy is available I will arrange for it to be placed in the House of Commons Library.
§ 117. Mr. Pagetasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what consultations Her Majesty's Government have had with the other members of the Security Council regarding the unilateral variation of the determination of the Council, Resolution 232 (1966), that the present situation in Southern Rhodesia constitutes a threat to international peace and security.
§ Mr. George ThomsonThere has been no unilateral variation of the determination of the Council. Her Majesty's Government are carrying out their obligations under the resolution, which was the result of extensive consultations with members of the Security Council and others.
§ Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs which permanent members of the Security Council abstained when the vote was taken which imposed mandatory sanctions on Rhodesia.
§ Mr. George ThomsonFrance and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
§ Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what communications he has had with the Secretary General of the United Nations regarding the effect of mandatory sanctions against Rhodesia; and if he will make a statement about the future of mandatory sanctions.
§ Mr. George ThomsonOur Representative at the United Nations has submitted to the Secretary-General, in accordance with the Security Council Resolution of 16th December last, information on measures taken to implement the resolution. We await the Secretary-General's report. Our representative has no instructions for further action.
10WI had a general discussion of the Rhodesia problem with the Secretary-General when he passed through London on 23rd February.
On the future of sanctions 1 have nothing to add to my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Commonwealth Affairs' replies to Questions on 14th February.
The question of extending sanctions to Southern Africa as a whole has not arisen.
We understand that certain member states have informed the Secretary-General that they may wish to consult the Security Council under Article 50 of the Charter. The implications of this are being studied.—[Vol. 741, c. 322.]