A/31/PV.86 General Assembly

Time and again we have all had proof of the fact that the ideals of peace, humanita- rianism and international co-operation are becoming a Hving reality and bringing closer the triumph of reason, justice and well-being. 2. The victory of the Great October Revolution and its ideas have activated the national liberation struggle of the peoples for freedom and independence, and the day of the final and irrevocable liquidation of the shameful system of colonialism in all its forms and manifestations isapproach- ing. 3. The dialectics of the development of humanhistory are such that old, obsolete forms of social life inevitably yield to newones. The colonial system of imperialism has broken down under the onslaught of the forces of national liberation. This verdict of history can no longer be reversed by anyone. .Since the General Assembly of the United Nations, on the initiative of the Soviet Union, adopted the historic Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples at its. fifteenth session Iresolution 1514 (XV)I, considerable changes have oc- curredin the world. 4. Thanks to the peace-loving policy which is consistently followed by the Soviet Union and the other countries of the socialist community, in international relations the principles of peaceful coexistence between Statesare taking hold, thus strengthening the sovereignty of young indepen- dent countries and contributing to the successes gained in NEW YORK the national liberation struggle of the peoples. The ap- pearance on the map of the world of new independent African States, such as Guinea-Bissau, Sao Tome and Principe, Angola, Cape Verde and Mozambique, leaves no doubt whatsoever that the time is drawing near when colonialism will be completely and definitively eliminated. My delegation takes this opportunity to express its broth- erly greetings and best wishes to the people and the Government of the People's Republic of Angola on the occasion of that country's admission to membership in the United Nations. 5. The discussion at this session of the General Assembiy of the question of the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples is taking place at a time when mankind is determined as never before to speed up the process of decolonization. The activities of the United Nations Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implemen- tation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and the participation of other organs of the United Nations system and other international organizations in the anti-colonialist struggle is contributing to the mobilization of world opinion in support of the peoples of the colonies. 6. Mankind simply cannot allow that 12 million people should stiIl be suffering under colonial oppression. 7. The speedy accomplishment of the task of the complete and final eradication of all remnants of colonial domination and all hotbeds of colonialism and racism will bring liberty and independence to the peoples of Zimbabwe, Namibia and ot::ltr Territories which arestill under alien oppression. It will also strengthen the national independence of countries which have already liberated themselves from colonialism and eliminate one of the main continuing causes of international tension and conflict. For, wherever colonialism and racism hold sway, the threat of war will always be present, and the continual acts of aggression of colonial and racist regimes against neighbouring African States are constant proof of this. 8. The real face of colonialism and racism can be seen in the ominous "laws" adopted recently in South Africa. The racists have adopted the so-called Defence Amendment Act, which makes possible armed interference by South African militarists in any part of Africa south of the equator. The magazine Jeune Afrique has raised the question, Is there not a "nuclear conspiracy" brewing, which in particular conceals the strategic and political interests of the West and its allies? 9. Every day the newspapers and the radio and television stations give us alarming reports of violations by Southern 10. There is a direct link between this increase in armaments appropriations and the increasein the repression of the indigenous inhabitants. That was confirmed by the hundreds killed and thousands wounded in Soweto. The foreign bases, the extension of military activities to the colonial Territories, and the militarization of the racist regimes are carried out with a view to the perpetuation of colonialist positions and create a clear threat to international security. Hundreds of lives of innocent people are being lost as a result of the terror practised by the racist regimes of Salisbury and Pretoria. In those conditions, the colonial peoples have an unchallengeable right to use all means, including armed struggle, to achieve liberation from colonial domination. They have a right to foreign support of their just cause. They are aware that the countries of the socialist community are always on their side. 11. It is only the imperialist countries which are arming the racists in order to protect their interests in southern Africa that are endeavouring to make the patriotic forces give up the armed struggle and involve them in endless "dialogues" with Vorster and Smith. As a corollary to their appeals for reconciliation with the racists the Western countries and their monopolies are seeking ways and means to inject increasing amounts of capital into the economies of racism and apartheid. . 12. The discussion of the questions of decolonization during this session of the General Assembly has confirmed that the constant economic, political, military and diplo- matic support by the Western Powersis the mainstay of the rotten colonialist and racist regimes in South Africa and Southern Rhodesia. 13. The delegation of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic is firmly convinced that if all the States Members of the United Nations, without exception, had strictly implemented the numerous decisionsof the General Assem- bly and the Security Council regarding the condemnation and general boycott of the racist and apartheid regimes, the arms embargo and the implementation of economic and other sanctions, colonialism and racism in southern Africa would have met their end long ago. 14. If those decisions have not been implemented, it is simply because there are still forces that are trying to maintain southern Africa as a cheap source of raw materials and a market from which the transnational corporations can reap fabulous profits. 15. The incalculable wealth of the African land has actually become a misfortune for the peoples living in southern Africa. Gold and diamonds, valuable minerals, the produce of a land that has been covered with blood, sweat and tears: all this wealth belonging by right to the indigenous population is being transferred to the Western countries by the transnational corporations, because of the 16. The suffering of children, the endless plight of mothers, the ashes of "pacified" villages: all this should be part of the bill to be presented to the racists and their patrons who have instituted such inhuman practices in southern Africa. Whereas before, the colonialists relied mainly on the frightful force of weapons and terror, now that the land seems to be slipping from under their feet, the racists and colonialists are compelled to twist and turn. 17. To maintain the power of the minority, the present leaders of the Republic of South Africa and Southern Rhodesia are trying somehow to acclimatize themselves to their increasing international isolation and to deceive world public opinion. 18. Thus, the racist minority regime in the Republic of South Africa began so-called "constitutional" talks on Namibia-and we all know how this farce ended. The real representative of the Namibian people, the South West Africa People's Organization, which has been recognized by the United Nations and the Organization of African Unity /OAUj, quite rightly rejected the racist regime's scheme to partition Namibia along tribal lines by creating so-called "homelands" there. 19. In South Africa itself the racists are now making a drama of the proclamation of puppet independent "bantustans". As recently as 26 October, in the empty streets of Umtata, a small town in the south-eastern part of South Africa, the chief of the Xhosa tribe, Kaiser D. Matanzima, to the salvos of guns proclaimed the "indepen- dence" of the Transkei bantustan. The racist propaganda machine has tried to present this cheap show as a "turning- point in the history of the African peoples of the Republic of South Africa and an important step on the road to full decolonization". But such clumsy manoeuvres can deceive no one. The many examples of liberation of the continent have taught the peoples of Africa to understand the difference between genuine liberation and the false ma- noeuvres now being represented asliberation. 20. The people of Zimbabwe, we are sure, will never agree that discussions on the future of Rhodesia should result in the same kind of regimeunder a new label. There can be no "peaceful dialogue" between the oppressed and their enslavers, between the victims and their assassins. 21. the peoples of southern Africa cannot and will not tolerate the continued existence of this atmosphere of arbitrariness and ignorance which has stifled so many spiritual values and stopped the development of so much culture, this atmosphere which has led to the exile, repression or killing of so many talented persons. From the Umpopo to the Cape of Good Hope, the liquidation of colonialism is a necessary step towards national rehabilita- tion, towards the liquidation of the remnants of past poverty, lawlessness and illiteracy and the establishment of true freedoms and respect for the human person. There are no forces that can stop or impede the struggle of the peoples for freedom and national independence. 23. The Ukrainian SSR has always supported the aspira- tions of the colonial peoples and countries to freedom and independence. To put an end to military operations in colonial territories, to carry out the decisions on sanctions against the racist regimes, to strengthen international support for the peoples fighting for national independence and, finally, to eradicate colonialism and apartheid for ever from the life of society-these are the tasks that the General Assembly of the United Nations is called upon to achieve at this session. 24. The day is very close when the oppressed peoples, in waging their sacred struggle for independence, will at last conquer their long-awaited freedom. The African continent is angry, and it is moving closer to its final liberation. As the great Ukrainian poet and revolutionary Ivan Franko said, "the dam has been broken, the avalanche has begun, and what force in the world can halt it and frustrate that flaming dawn? ". 25. In the spirit of the l.eninist principle of support for the anti-colonial struggle of the oppressed peoples, the Ukrainian SSR supports the adoption at this session of the General Assembly of effective measures aimed at the speedy achievement of the complete and defmitive eradica- tion of all the remnants of colonialism, racism and apartheid.

The elimination of the last vestiges of the once far-flung colonial system of imperialism is steadily drawing to a close. No longer do the former colonial empires stretch from the metropolis to the far corners of the world to suppress peoples, to rule by oppression, plunder, exploitation and the denial of the inalienable rights of self-determination and independence. The national liberation of millions of people in some several scores of former colonies has changed the map of the globe beyond recognition. Mankind's progress towards full colo- nial emancipation is one of the most remarkable achieve- ments of our times. The anti-colonial and anti-imperialist struggle was launched on its irreversible orbit by the Great October Socialist Revolution, which radically reformed the social structures of society and enabled many a nation to break from colonial bondage and live in freedom and independence. 28. The victories of the peoples of Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, Sao Tome and Principe, Mozambique and Angola in their heroic struggle against the former Portuguese colonial domination have placed the entire national liberation movement in a new perspective. There is no force on earth that can halt the march of colonial peoples to freedom and independence. 29. The victory of the Angolan people, which culminated in the creation of their own State, the People's Republic of Angola, has added new dimensions and significance to the national liberation struggle in Africa. In a merciless battle against colonialism, neo-coloniallsm, domestic reaction, South Africa's imperialist-backed aggression, mercenaries, thugs and racists, the valiant people of Angola, led by their revolutionary vanguard, the MPLA,J emerged victorious. The credit undeniably goes to the valour and self-sacrifice of the Angolan people and to the maturity with which their movement, the MPLA, conducted and fought in the battle. Yet the victory was made possible because of the strength of the international solidarity of the socialist countries, foremost among them the Soviet Union and Cuba, and of all other democratic and peace-loving peoples, countries and forces, with the People's Republic of Angola. 30. This victory of the Angolan people has been crowned with another success on the international arena, with the admission of the People's Republic of Angola to mem- bership in the United Nations. It is a well-deserved recognition by the overwhelming majority of Member States of those principles and values for which the People's Republic of Angola now stands. 31. The Bulgarian Gilegation would like to avail itself of this opportunity once again to congratulate the delegation of the People's Republic of Angola on that country's admission to the United Nations. 32. The process of decolonization has been further de- veloped in other areas of the world as well. The Republic of Seychelles has acceded to independence and was subse- quently admitted to the United Nations. 33. In other parts of the world where colonial administra- tions still rule over the lives and destinies of local populations we have seen the emergence of more political awareness on the part of the local people, who raise more demands for self-government and complete self-deter- mination. 34. The United Nations has always been aware of the need speedily and completely to eliminate all remnants of colonialism. The United Nations has never viewed the process of decolonization as a separate phenomenon un- related to its efforts to strengthen international peace and security. In elaborating on the aim of self-determination in Chapter XI of its Charter, the United Nations makes it clear 1 Movimento Popular de Uberta~io de Angola. 36. It is in this context that the Bulgarian delegation estimates highly the work of the Special Committee on decolonization. Its report [A/31/23/Rev.l] containing a detailed account of its activities, together with its decisions, shows the depth and perception with which the Committee approached and implemented the tasks assignedto it by the General Assembly. 37. The Special Committee's decisions and recommenda- ticns reflect the stage of development of the national liberation struggle in Africa and the rate of decolonization in the remaining colonial Territories in various parts of the world. 38. The Special Committee continues to champion the inalienable right of all colonial peoples to self-determi- nation and independence in accordance with General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV), irrespective of whether those colonial peoples live in big or small Territories geographically distant from sovereign lands or adjacent to them. 39. The anti-colonial struggle necessitates full moral sup- port on the part of the United Nations. The Special Committee reaffirms the legitimacy of the struggle of the peoples of Namibia and Zimbabwe to achieve their right to freedom and independence by all available means at their disposal. 40. The United Nations struggle against colonialism is made more effective by unmasking the nature of the colonial and racist regimes of South Africa and Southern Rhodesia and the support, assistance and protection they receive from their Western allies and friends. 41. In addition, the Special Com'nlttee reveals the detri- mental role of foreign economic and other interests operating in the colonial Territories and hindering the exercise by colonial peoples of their right to self-determi- nation and independence. 42. The anti-colonial struggle undoubtedly receives new moral and political support from the specific decisions of the ;;pecial Committee condemning the military activities 43. There are also well-defined recommendations covering the scope and field of assistance and support which the international community and the specialized agencies as- sociated with the United Nations should render to the colonial peoples and their national liberation movements. 44. In further promoting its constructive' co-operation with other organs of the United Nations, which also deal with colonial cases and with problems related to racial discrimination, such as the United Nations Council for Namibia and the Special Committee against Apartheid, the Special Committee on decolonization voiced its well- founded concern over the discontinuation by the Trustee- ship Council of its co-operation with the Committee. 45. An important aspect of the activities of the Special Committee is the mobilization of world public opinion in support of the national liberation struggle and in defence of the inalienable right of colonial peoples to self- determination and independence. The Committee made a definite contribution in this respect by sending its Ad Hoc Group to visit the countries adjacent to Namibia and Southern Rhodesia. The Ad Hoc Group's report {A/31/ 23/Rev.l, chap. VII, annex If formed the basis for the analysis of the situation in southern Africa and the decisions adopted by the Special Committee. 46. Last but not least, we should also like to mention the constructive results achieved by the Special Committee in further developing its relations and co-operation with influential intergovernmental and non-governmental organ- izations, such as OAU, the World Peace Council and the Afro-Asian People's Solidarity Organization. 47. All in all, in the view of the Bulgarian delegation, the Special Committee has been able to propose once again to the General Assembly appropriate and effective ways and means for the implementation of resolution 151.4 (XV). The General Assembly must approve the Committee's report and its recommendations. 48. In emphasizing the work of the Special Committee, the Bulgarian delegation-which, incidentally, has served on the Committee since its very inception-would like to pay a deserved tribute and express its gratitude to the Chairman, the representative of the United Republic of Tanzania, Mr. Salim, for so ably discharginghis functions and guiding the Committee in its work. For five years this Committee has benefited from the dynamic leadership of Mr. Salim. His contributions to the United Nations efforts for decolo- nization and his unfailing dedication to the cause of self-determination and independence for colonial peoples are well known to all of us. 49. Colonialism has not been eliminated everywhere and in all its forms and manifestations. Colonialism is still rampant in Namibia and Southern Rhodesia. The black people of South Africa suffer under the worst type of 50. The recent developments connectedwith the southern African problems constitute an attempt on the part of the colonial and racist regimes, aided and abetted by their Western allies, to salvage the remaining positions of colonialism and imperialism in that part of the world, to curb the national liberation movement and to disrupt the democratic revolutionary development of African peoples. In the wake of what happened in Angola, the attempts of the colonialist and imperialist forces in southern Africa can be easily seen in their true perspective and meaning. These forces are employing all ways and means to suppress the national liberation struggle of the peoples of Namibia and Zimbabwe and, since this has proved impossible, to divert this struggle, to distort the process of decolonization, to create puppet regimes that will obey the orders of colonialism and imperialism. Thisis the essence of what the world has been witnessing now with the so-called negotia- ting process in regard to the southern African problems. On the one hand, we see the desperate attempts of certain circles to protect and preserve the existing colonial and racist regimes. On the other, there is a tremendous pressure which these same circles exert upon the colonial peoples of Namibia and Zimbabwe and their national liberation movements to force them to make concessions to colo- nialism and imperialism, to make them accept what in the final analysis will amount to pseudo-self-determination and shamindependence. 51. At the same time, certain Wcstern circles and States are trying hard to circumvent the Declaration on decolo- nization, the Charter and the relevant General Assembly resolutions in their interpretation of the right of colonial peoples to self-determlnation and independence. Clearly this is done in such a way as to suit their vested interests. They also furnish false arguments to vindicate existing colonial situationsand to lull world public opinion concern- ing the ominous role of military bases maintained by colonial Powers in the colonial Territorles. "Today more than everbeforethe progressive forces are rising, determined to throw off the domination of racism in Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa. Nobody can check the gravitation of freedom. All African peoples have taken the cause of independence in their hands. They want real freedom, such as Angola's. They cannot be deceived by neo-colonialists who try to replace only the decor and to modernize slavery and plunder. They cannot be frightened by the fist of imperialism as represented by racist South Africa. Before them lies the inspiring example of the People's Republic of Angola. "Nomanoeuvres, plots or threats can delay the ap- proaching day when Africa will shake off allremnantsof colonialism. neo-colonlalism and racism. This is the will of the peoples. This is the irreversible march of history. The guarantee for the further successes of the anti- colonial and anti-imperialist struggle of the African peoples is their unity of action with the socialist countries and with all the other progressive and democratic forces in the world." 53. The People's Republic of Bulgaria will continue as it has in the past to support the struggle of colonial peoples for freedom and independence, to bring about the speedy and complete elimination of colonialism and to make the principles of the historic Declaration on decolonization triumphant once and for all.

The present world situation is developing in depth in a direction favourable to the people of all countries and unfavourable to imperialism, colonialism, hegemonism, racism and zionism. In the past year, the independent countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America have continued to wage valiant struggles to get rid of super-Power control, safeguard national independence and State sovereignty and develop national economy, and they have won continual new successes in this respect. The armed forces of the Zimbabwe people have constantly grown in strength in the course of struggle, dealing heavy blows at the Smith racist regime and bringing about a new situation in armed struggle. The Namibian people have launched ceaseless attacks on the occupationist troops of the South A,"rican racists, and the armed struggle is advancing victor'ously. The Azanian people have unfolded gigantic mass move- ments against violent repression, unprecedented in the scale of struggle, the number of participants, the areas affected, the duration of time and the tightness of organization. This indicates the new awakening of the Azanian people and a new stage in the struggle against the South African racist regime. All this shows that the great African people have launched offensives on barbarous racism and that the handful of colonialists has been cornered in southern Africa. The people in many areas of the Pacific, the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean have voiced increasing demands 55. The people of various countries have beenstrengthen- ing their unity and mutual support in their struggle against imperialism, colonialism, hegemonism, racism and zionism. The OAU summit conference held last July2 decided to give the greatest political, economic and military assistance to the national liberation movement in southern Africa. The summit conference of the Non-Aligned Countries held last August» also issued the call for all countries and peoples of the world to support the struggle of the peoples of Zimbabwe, Namibia and Azania in southern Africa. The Conference on Economic Co-operation among Developing Countries, held in Mexico City this September, solemnly declared the resolve to end the exploitation of the weak and poor by the powerful and rich and denounced the super-Powers for preserving the existing relations of inequality, dependence andexploitation. This expressed the strongdetermination of the numerous third-world countries to rely on themselves, strengthen their unity and co- operation, and fight for the establishment of the new international economic order. All this forcefully shows that no amount of sabotage and trouble-making on the part of social-imperialism and imperialism can check the advance of the great historical trend whereby countries want indepen- dence, nations want liberation, and the people want revolution. 56. The present situation in southern Africa calls for the concern of the people all over the world. Although the racist regimes in southern Africa have suffered heavy blows, they will never be reconciled to their defeat. On the one hand, they have been engaged on frenzied arms expansion and war preparations and in stepping up their Fascist rule and ruthlessly repressing the local people; on the other hand, they have the effrontery to advertise the so-called improvement of racial relations, hastening to plot the establishment of "bantustans" and the sham independence of "Transkei" in an attempt to stamp out the flames of armed struggle by means of their dual counter-revolu- tionary tactics so as to prolong their criminal rule. All this serves as lessons for the revolutionary people, enabling them to understand that it is imperative to use revolu- tionary dual tactics to deal with counter-revolutionary dual tactics under any circumstances, that armed struggle is the basic means to achieve the national liberation, that in negotiations one must base oneself on fighting and that before the enemy lays down its arms, the people's armed forces must be strengthened and not weakened. With the support of the numerous countries and peoples of Africa and the rest of the third world, the people in the non-independent regions of southern Africa have kept on seeing through the conspiratorial schemes of the enemy and are advancing triumphantly on their roadof armed struggle. The summit Conference of the OAU held not long ago solemnly declared in one of its resolutions: "... the only effective guarantee for the African people of South Africa 2 A~~embly of Heads of State and Government of the Organiza- tion of African Unity, held at Port Louis, Mauritius, from 2 to 6 July 1976. 3 Fifth Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non- Aligned Countries, heldat Colombo, from 16 to 19 Augu'lt 1976. 57. It should be noted that in the situationof continuous victories being won by the people of southern Africa in their struggles, the two super-Powers are stepping up their rivalry in southern Africa as never before. One super-Power does its utmost to support the racist regimes and constantly changes its tactics in an attempt to protect its huge vested interests in southern Africa. With its sham support for the national liberation movement, the other super-Power which styles itselfthe "natural ally" of the third world carried out naked military invasion of Angola andprovoked a civil war there single-handedly, causing the loss of the lives of over 100,000 people and rendering some 1 million people homeless and destitute. Afterhaving succeeded temporarily in Angola, it is further stepping up its frenzied expansion andinfiltration in southern Africa. 58. Under the multifarious signboards of "military assist- ance", "economic assistance" etc., it is carrying out infiltration, intervention, subversion and aggression in a deliberate attempt to undermine the national independence and state sovereignty of those countries. It creates division among the African countries and the liberation organiza- tions in an attempt to meddle in the local armed struggles and chart the national liberation movement to follow its course of scrambling for world domination. In a word, it wants to replace old colonialism and establish a new tsarist colonial empire of the twentieth century. The facts show that it is more cunning and dangerous than old-line colonialism and imperialism. 59. To carry through to the end the struggles for national liberation and for the defence of national independence and state sovereignty, it isimperative for the African people and the people of the world to link the struggles against racism, colonialism and imperialism closely with those against the super-Powers, particularly against social-imperialism. The rivalry and meddling by the super-Powers have added to the complexity of the situation in southern Africa. However, the African people. '0, a glorious militant tradition, are people that have a I litical consciousness. They do not believe the nice WUI ...... of the super-Powers, nor are they intimidated by their blusters; even less will they tolerate the seizure of their fruits of victory which have been won through hard, protracted struggles. "Only heroes can quell tigers and leopards, and wild boars never daunt the brave." We are fully convinced that the great African people will dauntlessly "repulse the wolf at the front gate and guard against the tiger entering the back door", remove all the obstacles on their road of advance and liberate the whole African continent. 60. Sharing common experience with the colonial peoples and having been subjected to prolonged imperialist and colonialist aggression, oppression and plunder, the Chinese people have deep sympathy for the liberation struggles of the nations and peoples that are still under oppression and enslavement by imperialism, colonialism and racism, and we 4 Scc document A/31/196 and Corr.I, annex, resolution CMI Res. 476 (XXVII). 61. The struggle of the Asian, African and Latin American peoples against imperialism, colonialism and neo- colonialism and for national liberation is entirely just. We are deeply convinced that whatever hardships and obstacles the colonial peoples may encounter on their road of advance, they will certainly win final victory so long as they heighten their vigilance, strengthen their unity, carefully sum up their experience and persevere in struggle.

My delegation welcomes this opportunity for the General Assembly to review progress in decolonization and to examine what still remains to be done. I would like to thank, first of all, the Rapporteur of the Special Committee on decolonization for his introduction to the comprehensive report of the Committee. I should also like to thank Ambassador Salim for the statement he made on Monday as Chairman of the Committee {82nd meeting], and to express our apprecia- tion for the constructive spirit in which the Fourth Committee has approached the items on its agenda, which are of the closest concern to the United Kingdom as an administering Power. 63. In this statement, I will try not to go over the ground which my delegation has already covered in our interven- tions in the debate on the smaller Territories in the Fourth Committee. Nor will I go into detail on the substance of the remaining items on the agenda of the Fourth Committee. The representative of the Netherlands has already spoken on behalf of the nine countries of the European Com- munity on the question of Namibia, emphasizlng that South Africa should withdraw and that there should be early progress towards self-determination and lndepen- dence.s We ourselves shall be speaking in due course on Rhodesia. 64. It goes without saying that the question of Rhodesia as a whole, and the course of the Geneva Conference in particular, remains a fundamental preoccupation of the British Government. As Ambassador Salirn hass .d, it is not possible at present to comment in great detail on the proceedings in Geneva. A measure of progress has been achieved, and discussion is now under way on the heart of the matter-namely, the arrangements for the transitional Government. My Government's policy has been set out in detail in Parliament at each stage of the current search for solutions. But I would, with your permission, Sir, like to 65. Mr. Rowlands emphasized the importance we attach to biking advantage of the current opportunity of achieving a peaceful transfer of power. Britain will continue to work towards this end. As he said, there is no substitute for genuine agreement thrashed out through negotiation by Rhodesians themselves, black and white. He went on to say: "The British Government stands ready to assume whatever role and responsibility we see necessary to achieve majority rule and independence by March 1978 or earlier." 66. Mr. Rowlands added that it would be vital to ensure that the process to majority rule and independence was irreversible-and seen to be irreversible. 67. I would like to make a few remarks about some of the British dependent Territories which have been discussed by the Special Committee. Our basic policy of respecting the wishes of the peoples of our Territories on their future, in accordance with the principle of self-determination is well known. We are grateful for the interest of the Special Committee in the particular problems of the small Terri- tories and for its contribution to the searchfor solutions. 68. It is now widely recognized that a variety of ap- proaches may be necessary and that in each case it is the wishes of the people concerned which should be para- mount. In our view, the mutual co-operation between the Special Committee and ourselves has beengenerally benefl- cial, and we look forward to the further development of our working relationship, including the dispatch of visiting missions. 69. In 1977 we will once more participate in the Special Committee's debates on the individual Territories, and wc will set out in detail the recent developments in each of those Territories which ale relevant to the goals of the Charter and of resolution 1514 (XV). Perhaps I could briefly anticipate our reports to the next session of the Special Committee on some of the developments which have taken place during 1976. 70. Preparations for the early independence of the Solo- mon Islands will continue both in London and in Honiara. On 1 January 1977 the Gilbert Islands will reach full internal self-government, which isnormallya comparatively brief transition period on the road to independence. We are confident that recent progress in the democratic evolution of the New Hebrides will be consolidated and built upon. We welcome the decision of France. our partner in the condominium, to provide information to the Special Committee and to intervene in the discussion of this 72. The peoples of the Territories which I have men- tioned, as well as those of other Territories to which I have not referred because their problems are better known, will exercise their right to self-determination. In some of our small island Territories it will happen earlier than in others. In some, as Ambassador Salim has pointed out, the difficulties in the way of constitutional progress are compounded by questions of size and lackof resources. We support the request to the Special Committee in paragraph 11 (d) of resolution 3481 (XXX) that the Special Commit- tee should continue to pay particular attention to the small Territories, including the dispatch of visiting missions, as appropriate, and to recommend the most suitable steps to enable the populations of those Territories to exercise their rightto self-determination. 73. In the Territories for which we remain responsible we will continue to foster the growth of democratic political institutions, and progressively to transfer the power to shape the lives and future of their peoples to their elected representatlves, 74. In conclusion, the United Kingdom delegation greatly hopes that this year the General Assembly will adopt a resolution on this item which will not only be constructive but will also reflect the wide measure of agreement which now exists about the last remaining problems of decolo- nizatlo» on the agenda of the United Nations. 75. Mr. NIKULlN (Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic) {interpretation from Russian): In speaking today in the plenary meeting of the General Assembly, the delegation of the Byelorussian SSR wishes, first of all, to welcome warmly and most sincerely the new full Member of the United Nations-the People's Republic of Angola-and the representatives of the valiant Angolan people, which, in a cruel struggle against the forces of aggression andimperial- ism, has successfully defended its freedom and indepen- dence, and is now engaged in building a society of social justiceand progress. 76. Sixteen years have elapsed since the United Nations General Assembly, on the initiative of the Soviet Union, 77. The young independent States are nowconducting an active, independent policy, both in their domestic affairs and in the international arena. In particular, this is shown by the growth and importance of the impact of the non-aligned movement. The anti-colonial, anti-imperialist process which is unfolding on our planet has considerably changed the political mapof the world. 78. The General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, Comrade L. I. Brezhnev, speaking at the Twenty-fifth Congress of that Party,said: "Surveying the picture of today's world, one cannot fail to observe an important development: the great increase in the influence of States which until quite recently were still colonies or semi-colonies. In most cases one can say definitively that, with increasing energy, they are defend- ing their political and economic rights against imperi- alism, striving to consolidate their independence and to raise the levels of social, economic and cultural develop- ment of theirpeoples." 79. The first half of the 1970s was marked by the beginning of the final stage in the downfall of the colonial system on several continents. The Byelorussian people and all the Soviet peoples have warmly welcomed the victories of the peoples of Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, Mozambique and Angola, which have crowned the many years of their heroic struggle for independence. 80. We support entirely the legitimate aspirations of the young States, their determination to rid themselves corn- pletely of imperialist exploitation and to be able to govern themselves and control their natural wealth. The over- whelming majority of the States which emerged as a result of the destruction of the colonial system are linkedto us by a deep commitment to peace and freedom and by repug- nance to all forms of aggression" domination and exploi- tation. 81. A strong impetus has been given to the renewed upsurge of the struggle for a stable peace and for the complete and final eradication of colonialism and racism by the relaxation of international tensions, which is acquiring an irreversible nature thanks to the determined and consistent efforts of the Soviet Union, the other States of thesocialist community and all peace-loving forces. 82. However, as pointed out by the Secretary-General in the introduction to his report on the work ,)1' this Organization, "This positive development ... also serves to highlight the outstanding problems of southern African 83. The ruling circles of the Republic of South Africa and Rhodesia, with the support of some Western States and' their monopolies, continue to carry out a policy of racial discrimination and oppression. 84. The regime of Vorster continues to ignore the deci- sions of the United Nations concerning the granting of independence to Namibia. Furthermore, it is using that Territory as a bridgehead for military provocations against neighbouring sovereign States. 85. The question arises, why, despite all the decisions of the United Nations and despite the demands of the progressive community of the world, the Pretoria regime continues to occupy the Territory of Namibia? It does so because the Western imperialist monopolies quite actively share its exploitation of the natural and human resources of Namibia. It is their interests that are being defended by those who in the United Nations vote against the takingof effective measures to ensure the speedy attainment of independence and self-determination by the people of Namibia. 86 We take a determined stand in favour of the imme- diate implementation of the decisions of the United Nations on the granting of independence to Namibia We demand the unconditional withdrawal of the administration of the Republic of South Africa and all its police and armed forces from Namibia We support the rightof the Namibian people to determineits own destiny. 87. In South Africa itself further tragic events are also occurring which are the result of the odious policy of apartheid. The Soviet people and all progressive mankind have been outraged by the crimes of the South African racists in Soweto, where the blood of hundredsof innocent Africans, men, women and children, has been shed. The tragedy of the people in Soweto and of the indigenous population in other South African towns and hamlets is a direct consequence of the Fascist policy of apartheid. oppression and suppression of the indigenous African population, conducted by the racists of the Republic of South Africa The ideology and practice of apartheid are monstrous violations of the purposes and principles of the I Jnited Nations and are alsocrimes against humanity 88. In trying to perpetuate their racist rule, the authorities of the Republic of South Africa are applying the old colonial method of "divide and rule", but are using it in a new way Through the system of "bantustans" they intend to split the country into many so-called independent States, which in fact, however, would remain fully dependent on the Pretoria regime. Ignoring the decisions of the United Nations, the Government of Vorster recently staged a new racist comedy, by proclaiming the sham independence of the so-called Transkei, We share the strong condemnation by the General Assembly of those actions of the Pretoria regime. 90. The Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic condemns the criminal policy of apartheid and supports the adoption of effective measures aimed at isolatingand boycotting the South Africa regime and at ensuring implementation of the decisions of the United Nations, OAU, the conferences of non-aligned States and other international organization.. which have demanded the eradication of apartheid and all forms of racial discrimination, and the granting to the African majority of the right to live in peaceand freedom. 91. The events occurring in Southern Rhodesia are also alarming. The United Nations General Assembly and its organs, OAU and the conferences of the non-aligned movement have adopted several decisions which would ensure a speedy transition to majority rule in that Terri- tory. They have also strongly condemned the policy of the Smith regime to maintain itself in power by any and all means andto continuethe policy of repression, including mll itary repression, of the African population and its aggression against neighb Juring sovereign States. There is no doubt that the political and economic position of the illegal regime in Salisbury has sharply deteriorated. The Smith regime is now trying to use the negotiations being con- ducted in Geneva for its own purposes and, at the same time, the Rhodesian military forces are engaging in bandit attacks on the camps of African patriots. 92. The Salisbury regime is taking emergency measures to ensure the further militarization of the country. A cam- paign is unfolding in several Western countries to recruit mercenaries who are to be used to suppress the liberation struggle of the Africans. 93. The Special Committee, in its decision adopted in September of this year on military activities and other activities of the colonial Powers in the Territories under their administration, condemned "the campaign being carried on by the illegal racist minority regime in Southern Rhodesia to recruit foreign mercenaries for its war against the people of Zimbabwe and their national liberation movement" and demanded "that all States concerned take 94. We fully share and support the demands of the Special Committee. 95. The problem of the liquidation of the remnants of the celonlal system in so-called small Territories in the Carib- bean and in the Indianand Pacific Oceans is becoming more and more acute. 96. The Byelorussian SSR regards the "right to self- determination" as an unconditional right of any people to shape Its destiny,including the choice of social and political systems in accordance with the freely expressed will and wishes of that people. The principle of equality and self-determination of peoples is enshrined in many im- portant international documents, such as the Charterof the United Nations, the Declaration on t~}e Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, the International Covenants on Human Rights and other instruments. We oppose any argument which would impede the decolonization of small Territories. 97. At the present time the question of the decolonization of small Territories, especially island Territories, is par- ticularly topical because they are very often used by the main Western States members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization as military bases. All this not only impedes the process of final decolonization but is also a threat to the peace and security of peoples. 98. As has already been pointed out, one of the main obstacles to the implementation of the Declaration on deeolonlzation is the activities of foreign monopolies in the colonies. It is precisely for the sake of obtaining huge profits by protectingthe interests of imperialist monopolies that the main Western Powers are supporting the racist and colonialist regimes in every ""sible way. The predatory characterof the transnational CUil atlonshas already been exposed and condemned by the United Nations and other international agencies. 99. In its resolution 31/7 on the activities of foreign economic and other interests which are impeding the implementation of the Declaration on decolonization, the General Assembly condemned the Governments "••• which continue to support or collaborate with those foreign economic and other interests engaged in exploit- ing the natural and human resources of the Territories, thus violating the political, economic and social rights and interests of the indigenous peoples and obstructing the full and speedy implementation of the Declaration contained in General Assembly resolution 1514(XV) in respect of those Territories". 101. Determined support of the struggle for the liquida- tion of colonialism and racism, assistance of every kind to the peoples struggling for their national freedom and for political and economic independence, are and always have been central to the foreign policies of the States of the socialist community. 102. The Byelorussian SSR consistently and firmly sup- ports the immediate and complete implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and is prepared to support the strongest and most effective measures to that end.

The representatives of two Mem- ber States have requested to speak in exercise r " the right of reply. Members will recall that the General Assembly at its 4th plenary meeting decided that statementsinexercise of the right of reply should be limited to 10 minutes and should be delivered, as a general rule, at the end of meetings, or at the end of the day whenever two meetings have been scheduled for that day and whenever such meetings are devoted to the consideration of the same item. 104. Since the plenary meeting scheduled for this after- noon is on a different agenda item-item 29-1 suggest that the right of reply on the item now before us be exercised now. If I hear no objection, it will be so decided.

At Tues- day's meeting [83rd meeting] the Soviet representative referred to the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands in a statement as inaccurate as it was offensive. As an original Member of the United Nations the Soviet Union should be as well informed as any on the establishment, under the United Nations Charter, of Micronesia as a strategic Trust Territory-the onlyone of its kind. 106. Article 5 of the Trusteeship Agreement," which the Soviet Union joined in approving, specifically authorizes the stationing of troops in Micronesia to ensure that the strategic Trust Territory play its part in the maintenance of internationa. peace and security under the Charter. 107 My delegation has no intention of replying in kind to the baseless rhetoric of the Soviet statement. We tend to believe that the statement reflected Soviet embarrassment over the recent debate in the Third Committee about human rights. As we observed at that time, the Soviet Union has every reason to be embarrassed about its record on human rights. 108. The United States record on self-determination for the Territories under its jurisdiction is clear for all to see. One Territory over which the United States exercised jurisdiction in this century has evolved to independence. Others have come to statehood in our Union; another 7 For the text, see United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 8, p. 189. 109. The United States came to its own independence from colonial status. The United States is not a colonial nation and it does not intend to become one. 110. But what of the Soviet Union's record in this regard? Perhaps a look and a question or two would be instructive. No Power in history has shown a more ravenous appetite for foreign territory than the Soviet Union. Ask anyone of numerous countries from the far north of Europe to the far east of Asia. 111. For instance, the United States has withdrawn from various Pacific Islands which it occupied as a result of Second World Waroperations. Can the Soviet Union say the same? In the European area, as merely one example, let it not be forgotten that in 1940 the Soviet Union took over by military force the Baltic States, its independent neigh- bours Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania. The Soviet Union still holds those formerly free nations in its grip and denies them basic human rights. Lack of religious freedom is only one that might be emphasized. 112. My delegation would like to ask a simple question. Does the Soviet Union intend to hold these formerly independent countries forever more, or will the long finger of history, which presides over human affairs with consider- able impartiality, call the Soviet Union to account onc of these days?

I call on the representative of the Soviet Union in exercise of the right of reply.

I should like to make just a few observations. The first is the following. 115. I do not think that ignorance is a good excuse, even when it is the representative of the United States of America who is involved. The kind of relationship that the Soviet Union has with the United States really does not allow for polemics of the kind we have just heard. If the representative of the United States does not know the history of the Baltic peoples, I would suggest that he read the elementary literature on that subject. I do not intend to reply to statements on matters which concern only the Soviet Union and the peoples of the Soviet Union. 117. Thirdly, with regard to the statement by the United Kingdom representative I would point out that in the report of the Special Committee on decolonization we read the following: "The Special Committee notes that, at a referendum held on 8 July 1975, a majority of the people voted in favour of territorial unity" / A/31/23/Rev.1, chap. XXIV, para. 12 (5)/. Can that fact be denied? It is a fact that is confirmed in the report of the Special Committee. I 18. My last observation is the following. Whatever is said here about hegemonism or other "isms" by the representa- tives of a well-known State, I should like to state the following. I 19. The Soviet Union has from the very first days of its existence helped the national liberation movements and considers this its international duty. In Africa, the Soviet Union has not pursued and is not pursuing any objective other than assisting the liberation movements. If that is not clear to the representative of that country, he should read the statement made here yesterday by the Foreign Minister of Angola /84th meeting], In Angola, the country to which I am referring was on the side of reaction and imperialism; the Soviet Union was on the side of those who have now created an independent State, which was admitted yester- day to membership in the United Nations. That it) the policy we shall continue to follow in the future, no matter what will be said by the representatives to whom I am referring or by others. The meeting rose at 12.25p.m;