HC Deb 23 October 1972 vol 843 cc165-6W
29. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the continuance of sanctions against Rhodesia.

Sir Alec Douglas-Home

I have made it clear on a number of occasions that during the period of reflection in Rhodesia, Her Majesty's Government would maintain the status quo, including sanctions. We shall be debating this subject next month.

Sir D. Walker-Smith

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations were made by his Department in regard to Rhodesian participation in the Olympic Games.

Sir Alec Douglas-Home

As I told the House on 24th July, we responded to inquiries from the Federal German Government by pointing out the possible applicability of certain Security Council Resolutions. We made no representations to the International Olympic Committee.—[Vol. 841, c. 206.]

Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will name the States referred to in the Security Council resolution of 28th July which have failed to comply with the provisions of the Security Council sanctions and other resolutions on Southern Rhodesia contrary to their obligations under Article 25 of the Charter of the United Nations; and what consequences are provided in the Charter for breach of its provisions.

Sir Alec Douglas-Home

No. Security Council Resolution No. 318 did not name any States.

Article 6 provides for possible action against a member which has persistently violated the Principles contained in the Charter, but there is no provision in the Charter for penalties in the event of individual breaches of obligations under Article 25.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent efforts he has made to achieve a settlement with Rhodesia.

Sir Alec Douglas-Home

I made it clear after the Pearce Report was announced that Her Majesty's Government hoped there would be a period of reflection inside Rhodesia during which the Rhodesians themselves could seek to reconcile their differences. We should not begrudge them time. Private efforts have been made recently to initiate a dialogue between the races and we welcome such developments.