HC Deb 23 October 1967 vol 751 cc366-7W
Mr. Whitaker

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) what action he is taking over the Portuguese Government's violation of sanctions against the Rhodesian regime by permitting the storage of Rhodesian tobacco at Frelias; (2) what action he is taking over the Portuguese Government's violation of sanctions against the Rhodesian regime by permitting Rhodesian imports and exports to be transported through Mozambique; (3) what action he is taking over the Portuguese Government's violation of sanctions against the Rhodesian regime by permitting the forgery of documentation for Rhodesian trade.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

The Portuguese Government are required, in accordance with Article 25 of the United Nations Charter, to accept and carry out the decision of the Security Council of 16th December, 1966, which,inter alia, called upon them to prevent the import into their territory of tobacco and other specified commodities, and activities by their nationals in their territories which promote or are calculated to promote the export of the specified commodities from Southern Rhodesia. Her Majesty's Government have made representations to the Portuguese Government about the kind of activities mentioned in these Questions.

It is for the Secretary-General of the United Nations to report to the Security Council about the implementation of the Mandatory Resolution of 16th December by member States and for the Security Council to decide whether any State is failing to meet its obligations, and whether any further action needs to be taken in any given case.

Mr. Whitaker

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action he is taking over the Japanese Government's permitting Rhodesian chrome ore, iron ore and ferro-chrome to be imported in violation of sanctions.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

Where we have had reason to suspect that these materials were being imported into Japan in breach of the United Nations Mandatory Resolution of 16th December, 1966, we have brought the facts to the attention of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in order that it may ensure compliance with the terms of the resolution.

It is for the Security Council to decide whether any member State is failing to meet its obligation to carry out a decision of the Council and whether any further action needs to be taken.

Mr. Whitaker

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action he is taking over the South African Government's violation of sanctions against the illegal Rhodesian régime.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

South Africa is among a number of countries who have not yet replied to the Secretary-General's request for information about the implementation of the Security Council's Resolution on Rhodesia. It is for the Security Council to decide whether any member State is failing to meet its obligations under the Charter and whether any further action needs to be taken in any given case.

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