§ Mr. Moyleasked the Lord Privy Seal whether Her Majesty's Government have received any formal approaches from the Government of France concerning the details of President Giscard d'Estaing's proposal that a conference be held on Afghanistan; and, if so, what response has been given.
§ Mr. HurdHer Majesty's Government were informed in advance by the French Government about President Giscard d'Estaing's proposal, and we are in touch with them about it. As usual, these have been informal exchanges.
§ Mr. Moyleasked the Lord Privy Seal whether any of the Government's represented at the Islamic Conference have sought the support or approval of Her Majesty's Government for the proposal that the future of Afghanistan should be considered by a process of United Nations mediation between Afghanistan and its neighbours; and, if so, what has been the response of Her Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. HurdPakistan and other member countries of the Islamic Conference have been in frequent contact with Her188W Majesty's Government about the situation in Afghanistan. The United Kingdom voted for the United Nations General Assembly resolution of 20 November—proposed by members of the Islamic Conference and adopted by 111 votes to 22 with 12 abstentions—which invites the United Nations Secretary-General to appoint a special representative with a view to promoting a political solution. We have made it clear to Dr. Waldheim and to other Governments that we hope that he will appoint a special representative.