A/33/PV.81 General Assembly

We have before us the report of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples [A/33/23/Rev.1]. Before calling on the first speaker, I propose that the list of speakers in the debate on item 24 be closed at 12 noon today. If there is no objection I shall consider that the Assemblyadopts that proposal.

Inow call on Mr. Sami Glaiel of the Syrian Arab Republic, the Rapporteur of the Special Committee, to present the report of that Committee. 3. Mr. GLAIEL (Syrian Arab Republic), Rapporteur of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Deciaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (inter- pretation from French): I have the honour, as Rapporteur of the Special Committee, to present to the General Assembly the report of the Committee on its work during 1978 rA./33/23/Rev.1]. "... to continue to seek suitable means for the im- mediate and full implementation of General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) in all Territories which have not yet attainedindependence and, in particular: "(a) To formulate specific proposals for the elim- ination of the remaining manifestations of colo- nialism . . .". 5. An account of the Special Committee's consideration of other items referred to in. the relevant General Assembly resolutions is to be found in the other chapters of the Committee's report. 6. As in previous years, the programme of work of the Special Committee in 1978 was particularly heavy; never- theless, the Committee was able, by holding regular meetings between January and September, and by having official and unofficial consultations among its members whenever that was felt necessary, to consider most of the items on its agenda and to adopt appropriate resolutions or make the necessary recommendations. As far as the other items on the agenda are concerned, items which have not yet been considered, the Committee decided to convey to the General Assembly the necessary information and documentation to make it possible for the General As- sembly to consider them. 7. The Committee was guided in its work by requests made to it by the General Assembly in resolutions 32/42 and 32/43. It reviewed J.~ situation regarding the imple- mentation of the Declaration [resolution 1514 (XV)] and the programme of action fresolution 2621 (XXV)], as well as the resolutions of the United Nations concerning colonial territories. In the light of recent developments, the Committee was able to make recommendations for the adoption and application of appropriate steps to be taken by Member States and by competent bodies, the specialized agencies and others, to speed up the process of decolo- nization and the political, economic and social preparation of the peoples in those Territories. 8. In 1978 the Special Committee continued its study of the activities of foreign economic and other interests which impede the implementation of the Declaration in Southern Rhodesia and Namibia and all other Territories under colonial domination, and of efforts made to eliminate colonialism, apartheid and racial discrimination in southern Mrica, pursuant to General Assembly resolution 32/35. It also continued its consideration of the military activities of the colonial Powers and their military arrangements in the Territories under their domination which might impede the implementation of the Declaration and which were incom- patible with the provisions of the relevant General As- sembly resolutions. Pursuant to General Assembly reso- lution 32/36, the Spacial Committee also continued its examination of the implementation of the Declaration by the specialized agencies ar.d international institutions asso- 9. As the General Assembly will recall, the Committee was not in a position this year to send a visiting mission. Acceptance of the invitation addressed to it by the United States to visit Guam was postponed until next year, for administrative reasons relating to the Territory itself. 10. As the Assembly may have noted from the pertinent chapters of the report, the Special Committee paid par- ticular attention to the question of the decolonization of small Territories. In this connexion, it approved a number of specific recommendations and proposals on various Territories. I hasten to add that the importance which the Committee attaches to this question was very clearly demonstrated in the recent discussion in the Fourth Committee, as a result of which that Committee recom- mended a number of draft resolutions to the General Assembly. 11. In the context of the study of the list of Territories to which the Declaration is applicable, the Committee studied, as a separate item, the question of the decision of the Special Committee taken on 2 September 1977 concerning Puerto Rico [see A/33/23/Rev.l, chap. 1, paras. 57-73J. A large number of petitioners were heard by the Committee and a decision was taken. The Committee decided to keep the matter under consideration. 12. Lastly, I should mention that the Committee dis- charged a number of other responsibilities under General Assembly resolutions and under its own resolutions. Thus it undertook a number of activities relating to the dissemi- nation ofinformation on the work of the United Nations in the field of decolonization. During the year the Special Committee celebrated the Week of Solidarity with the Colonial Peoples of Southern Africa Fighting for Freedom, Independence and Equal Rights. The Special Committee also held consultations with non-governmental organi- zations and took part in a number of international conferences. 13. Regarding the subjects relating to decolonization in general, I should like on behalf of the Special Committee to express the hope that the General Assembly will pay due attention to the various recommendations contained in the report and that the proposals in chapter I, section P, entitled "Future Work", will be approved, which will make it possible for the Committee to continue to discharge its responsiillities in the coming year. 14. The Special Committee recommends that the General Assembly reiterate its appeal to the administering Powers concerned to take without delay every step necessary for the implementation of the Declaration and the relevant United Nations resolutions. The Committee emphasized the importance it attaches to the assertion by the General Assembly that the association of the colonial Territories in the work of the United Nations and the specialized agencies is an effective method of promoting the progress of the peoples of those Territories to a state of equality with the States Members of this Organization. Another recommen- 15. Finally, the Special Committee expresses the hope that the Secretary-General will continue to provide it with all the necessary facilities and staff so that it can carry out its task in conformity with the mandate entrusted to it. 16. On behalf of the Special Committee, I commend to the General Assembly's attention the report contained in document A/33/23/Rev.1. J7. The PRESIDENT (interpretation from Spanish): I now call on the Chairman of the Special Committee, Mr. Salim Ahmed Salim of the United Republic of Tan- zania. 18. Mr. SALIM (United Republic of Tanzania), Chairman of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of , Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples: The General Assembly has just received a detailed account of the work accomplished by the Speclal Committee during 1978 from its Rapporteur, our colleague, Mr.Glaiel,of the Syrian Arab Republic. I shall, therefore, confine myself, as Chairman, to a few observations concerning some of the developments that have taken place during the year in the field of decolonization, as well as some of the issues which have continued to engage the close attention of the Committee in the discharge of the tasks entrusted to it by the Assembly. 19. Before I comment on these developments and issues, allow me, on behalf of the Special Committee, to take note with deep satisfaction of some positive developments: the accession to independence this year of three formerly dependent Territories-the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Dominica-one of which has become a Member of the world Organization and will be followed shortly by another. There is no doubt 'in my mind that the emergence of these new, independent and sovereignStates constitutes a clear demonstration of the role the international com- munity can play-and indeed has played during the last decade-in hastening the decolonization process and in assisting the peoples of the remaining colonial Territories in their efforts to achieve the objectives of the Declaration. That these developments will soon be followed by other ~ilarly happy events is, I trust, a wish that is shared whole-heartedly by all the Members of this Assembly, and one for the realization of which we in the Specirl Committee willcontinue to work tirelessly. 20. Nothing would please me more, as the Chairman of the United Nations body primarily entrusted with the task of following the implementation of the Declaration, than to 2L When I spoke in this Assembly almost exactly a year ago1 I stated that, in my view, the year 1978 would be niost critical for the cause of decolonization iq the area, .that it would require us to remain constantly alert to changing situations and ever ready to take positive action and initiatives. I added that we must above all intensify oUI efforts, not only within the General Assembly but also in all other related bodies.of the Organization, in particular in 'the Security Council, to fmd further ways and means to bring pressure to bear upon the racist minority regimeswith a-view to terminating their oppressive and illegal domi- nation of the peoples of the Territories concerned. That the year was indeed critical, as well as marked by intensive diplomatic and other activity, and that yet more efforts are to be made to bring tile era of colonialism and racist domination in that region to a fmal and conclusiveend are facts that are known to all and need no elaboration. 22. When this year the Security Council adopted reso- lutions 431 (1978) and 432 (1978), followed by resolution 435 (1978) after prolonged negotiations undertaken by the five Western members of the Security Council, it was our earnest hope that at last the problem of Namibia would he settled through negotiations; for the adoption of these resolutions clearly and eloquently testified to co-operation of the liberation movement in Namibia, the South West Mrica People's Organization [SWAPO]. supported by free Africa, and its willingness. to proceed to a negotiated resolution, even if in the process the liberation movement had to make a number of significant concessions. These hopes have, however, proved to be at best exaggerated; for South Africa, true to form, remains defiant-defiant of the Security Council, defiant of the will of the international community and, significantly, no less defiant of the very Powers without whose support the apartheid regime's very survival would be seriously jeopardized, if not mortally affected. 23. So we have today a further deterioration of the situation in Namibia. Instead of hope there is further despair; instead ofprospects for an ending ofviolence there is an ominous threat for a massive escalation of violence. All this because South Africa has chosen, and in many ways is allowed, to ,defythe world. 24. Yet, disheartening as the recent developments must have been to all of us who have assiduously worked for an end to the bloodshed and tyranny imposed on the Namlbtan people by the illegal South African re~e and who had for one moment dared to believe that mea an objective could be achieved without recourse. to further violence and confrontations, it is clear that there is nothing surprising in the behaviour of the South.African Govern- ment. Indeed, South Africa's unparallelled record in the matter made the possibility that the exercise might fail a 25. In these circumstances, therefore, while we remain confronted with the fact that South Africa has seen fit to disregard yet another decision of the United Nations designed to ensure, through the holding of fair and free elections, a peaceful transfer of power to the genuine representatives of the Namibian people, we must bear in mind that it is ultimately for us, the members of the international community, to fmd a solution to this prob- lem, as the inability to do so continues to affect seriously the Organization's moral and juridical authority. It is indeed now more than ever imperative that the United Nations reassert in no uncertain terms its central respon- sibility in the matter and the need for means to be found to ensure that the apartheid regime is made to comply with the decisions of the Organization. In this regard, it is also essential, given South Africa's firmly established record and its attitude of intransigence and arrogance-most recently demonstrated by its refusal to forgo the sham elections in the Territory-that we recomm.end to the Security Council that it consider taking further appropriate measures under the Charter in order to secure South Africa's speedy compliance with the decisions' of the United Nations, in view, .in particular, of the ever-increasing threat to international peace and security as a result of that regime's policies of confrontation. 26. As set out in the consensus adopted by the Special Committee at the outset of the year [A/33/23/Rev.1, chap. YID, para. 12J, and as reiterated repeatedly within the context of the related work of the United Nations bodies concerned, only a solution based on the free exercise by an Namibians of their right to self-determination and independence within a united Namibia can be acceptable. This, obviously, remains of the essence. and all unilateral manoeuvres by South Africa to impose a settlement on its own terms and circumvent the will of the people should be condemned for what they are: namely, clear violations of United Nations decisions. 27. Equally important at the present stage of the Namibian conflict is the need for us, as responsible members of the international community, to continue to give our unequivocal, moral, political and material support to the Namibian people, under the leadership ofits national liberation movement, SWAPO, the sole and authentic representative of the people of Namibia. .28. As the Organization entrusted with the historic responsibility of leading Namibia to independence, the United Nations can allow no room for equivocation and our duty is clear. We must continue to deploy every available means to defuse the highly explosive situation in the Territory and to ensure that its oppressed people are fmally enabled to exercise their legitimate right to freedom and independence. 30. I do not intend to recapitulate in this forum the events that have taken place during the year in regard to Zimbabwe. I believe it is important, however, for the benefit of those who might still, even at this late hour, entertain any illusion that Mr. Smith's intentions might be sincere, to recall the fact that, while the elements for settlement which came to be known as the Anglo-American proposals2 were-genuinely accepted by the leaders of the Patriotic Front and others in Africa as a basis for negotiations, the Smith regime was engaged in the deceitful tactics of the so-called "internal settlement" [see A/33/23/Rev.1, chap: VD, annex, paras. 58-63J. True to expectations, the intemal settlement has settled nothing and, as is abundantly clear, it will settle nothing. A cynical farce from its inception, it has served only to promote further escalation of the acts of repression, terror and intimidation perpetrated by the Smith regime against the people of Zimbabwe. At the same time, it has stiffened the resistance and determination of the freedom fighters, led by the Patriotic Front. Obviously, therefore, Africa, and indeed the vast majority ofthe international community, as evidenced by Security Council resolution 423 (1978), were right in condemning and categorically rejecting a plan whose true design was to keep the instruments of domi- nation in the hands of a minority bent on maintaining itself in power. 31. Faced with this situation, the responsibility of the world community is clear. Given the negativism and deceit displayed by the rebel regime regarding any plan which would result, as any plan obviously should, in a genuine transfer of power to the majority, it is important that conditions be created which will convince the Salisbury regime that its days in power are quickly drawing to an end. Those measures should include the widening of the scope of sanctions applied against the illegal regime. Concurrently we must redouble our efforts in support of the struggle of the people of Zimbabwe and in ensuring that they and their national liberation movement receive all necessary moral and material assistance. Their struggle obviously needs our continued and effective support if it is to succeed. At the same time, we must take steps to ensure that the isolation of the rebel regime does not remain a pious hope. In this 32. Since it is obvious that any delay in the solution of the problems of Namibia and Southern Rhodesia further aggravates the tragedy undergone by the people concerned, exercises a negative influence on relations among States and is detrimental to the cause of peace and stability in southern Mrica, it is particularly regrettable that, because of selfish economic considerations, certain States con- tribute to the continued existence of the problem by still taking an active part in the exploitation of the colonial Territories in the region. In view of the efforts of the international community to assist in the eradication of colonialism from the world, and particularly from that part of the African continent, the support given to the racist minority regimes by individuals and corporations so con- sumed by greed and by the appeal of easy profits as to be totally blind to the human consequences of their behaviour not only hampers the struggle for liberation of the peoples concerned but strengthens their oppressors in their inhuman policies. I should like, therefore, to underscore once again the urgent need for the cessation of all such foreign economic activities and all forms of support to the regimes in Pretoria and Salisbury, since such support only results in further suffering and additional hardship for millions of Namibians and Zimbabweans. 33. At the same time, I should also like to call once again for increased international support and assistance to the peoples of the Territories concerned and their national liberation movements, at governmental and inter- governmental levels, a matter to which the Special Com- mittee again devoted much attention during the year. Indeed, in response to the relevant resolutions of the United Nations bodies concerned, several agencies and organizations have expanded the volume and scope of their assistance. Nevertheless, the assistance rendered so far to the peoples concerned, particularly to those of Zimbabwe and Namibia, still falls far short of their pressing needs, and accordingly we must enlist whatever resources are available in providing to them the assistance critically needed. In that context, the support of the major funding institutions within the United Nations system is essential, and the related role to be played by the executive heads of those institutions is particularly important, as has been amply exemplified in the intensified efforts within the framework of UNDP. This, I remain convinced, is the course of action to which the international community must continue to adhere if it is to contribute effectively to the final eradication of colonialism and racial discrimination, and to hastening the liberation of the oppressed peoples of southern Mrica. 35. In this connexion, the Special Committee; in its consideration and examination of the conditions in those small Territories, has again received during the year the co-operation of the admlnisteriag Powers concerned. Ineed hardly stress the importance of such co-operation if the Special Committee is to b sole to assist effectively the peoples of these Territories and to facilitate the full and speedy implementation therein of the Declaration. 36. Equally satisfacto-y for the Special Committee is the co-operation which the Committee continues to receive from the administering Powers concerned as regards the receiving of United Nations visiting missions in the Ter- ritories under their administration. As has been the case regarding the missions dispatched ~)y the Committee in.the past, the Committee considers the sending ofvisitingmissiOll.S to be the most direct means of securing infonnation on the prevailing social, political and economic conditions and of ascertaining at first hand the real wishes and aspirations of the peoples of the colonial Territories. The Committee will continue to dispatch such missions as and when appro- priate, with the co-operation of the administering Powers. 37. At this juncture, I should like to pay a special tribute to the Secretary-General, Mr. Kurt Waldheim, for his continued dedicated commitment to the cause of decolo- nization. This year, like previous years in which I have had the honour and privilege of presiding over the Committee, I have enjoyed the fullest co-operation, understanding and collaboration ofthe Secretary-General. I wish, in particular, to commend the Secretary-General for his tireless efforts in support of United Nations objectives on the question of Namibia. 45. As the Assembly has just received a succinct account of the recent developments in the field of decolonization and the highlightsof some of the most intractable problems that continue to confront this Organization, I do not propose to treat these issues in exhaustive detail at this stage. Suffice it to sa}', as the delegation of Trinidad and Tobago has said on a number of occasions, that the anomaly which still prevails in the two remaining colonial Territories in southern Africa must be brought to an end forthwith. The course of action to be taken by the international community to achieve this goal has been clearly charted. Its implementation, however, depends on the degree of dedication, commitment, determination and sacrifice which all those concerned are prepared to provide. 39. I should like at this stage to acknowledge with the deepest appreciation the important contribution made by my friends and colleagues the other officers of the Com- mittee: Mr. Frank Abdulah of Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Anders Thunborg of Sweden and Mr. Neytcho Neytchev of Bulgaria, our three Vice-Chairmen, and Mr.Sami Glaiel of the Syrian Arab Republic, our Rap- porteur. For me, as Chairman of the Special Committee, it has been an honour and a privilege to work with such dedicated colleagues. 40. I should also like to pay a tribute to the Under- Secretary-General for the Department of Political Affairs, Trusteeship and Decolonization, Mr. Tang Ming-chao, for . his assistance and continued collaboration, and, through him, to extend my gratitude to all the members of his Department. 46. Aware that the only alternative to the continuing bloodsl,-d and suffering of the peoples concerned is the working out of an internationally acceptable solution for the transfer of power to the majority of the people by peaceful means, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago has supported and endorsed those efforts which have been aimed at a negotiated settlement in accordance with the spirit of the Charter of the United Nations. However, the high hopes entertained by my delegation that these efforts would produce meaningful and tangible results are rapid!y vanishing. It is therefore with a great sense of urgency that we in Trinidad and Tobago insist that ways be found without any further delay to permit the peoples of southern Africa to emerge as new African nations, freed from racismand minority rule. 41. Tlis year has been a year of achievements and frustrations in the international community's efforts for the promotion of the right to self-determination and inde- pendence of peoples. The independence of three former dependent Territories is definitely an important gain in our collective endeavours. There is, however, no denying the fact that developments in southern Africa, both in Zimbabwe and in Namibia, have been the cause of the utmost concern and frustration. The hopes and expec- tations of negotiated solutions have been severely shattered by the persistent defiance of the minority regimes in the area. I believe that it is incumbent on all of us to do everything in our power and to make effective use of the potentials and resources of the world community to rectify this Jituation. 47. At the same time, I should like to repeat that my Government stands steadfast in its support of the cou- rageous struggle for liberation beingwagedby the peoples of those Territories and their national liberation movements. We regard it as incumbent on this Organization and its family of organizations to extend the fullest possible assistance, both moral and material, so as to enable them to exercise their right to self-determination and to achieve the fundamental rights and freedomsguaranteed to them in the Charter of the Organization. 42. Two years from now the General Assembly will be commemorating the twentieth anniversary of the procla- mstion of the historic Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. No celebration would be more fitting, no tribute more appro- priate, than to commemorate that anniversary with the elimination of colonialism in all the remaining Territories. In particular, I am convinced that, given the will and determination of all concerned, it should be possible to commemorate that anniversary with the colonial situations in Namibia and in Zimbabwea matter of history. 48. With respect to the remaining Territories of varying sizes which are scattered over a wide span across the Caribbean and Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, we note with satisfaction that a further positive move towards self- government and independence is clearly discernible. Given the increasing willingness to co-operate on the part of the administering Powers concerned, the task of this Organi- zation in assisting the peoples of those Territories in their speedy and orderly achievement of the objectives of the Declaration is becoming an easier one. In this connexion, my Government places particular emphasis on the impor- tance of the dispatch of United Nationsvisitingmissionsto those Territories, and notes that a visit to Guam has been scheduled in May of next year by the Special Committee.

I now call on the representative of Trinidad and Tobago, who wishes to introduce the draft resolutions in documents A/33/L.16 and A/33/L.17.

I should like at the outset to express my deep personal appreciation of the kind words spoken a short while ago by the Permanent 49. Permit me now to speak on behalf of the sponsors of the two draft resolutions on the item, which have been placed before the Assembly in documents A/33/L.16 and A/33/L.17. The sponsors believe that the Assembly will have no difficulty in giving its unanimous support to the two drafts since they do not differ substantially from the resolutions adopted at the last session of the Assembly. 50. Draft resolution A/33/L.16 deals with the report of the Special Committee and in its preambular paragraphs recalls the pertinent General Assembly and Security Council resolutions on decolonization. It pays particular attention to the continuing colonial situation in Namibia and Zimbabwe, condemns the intransigent attitude of their minority regimes and deprecates the continued collab- oration by some States with those regimes in defiance of United Nations resolutions. The draft warmly welcomes the accession to independence of the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Dominica, and notes with satisfaction the co-operation of the administering Powers and their readiness to receive visiting missions in the Territories under their admin- istration.

Inter- ventions will therefore be limited to explanations of vote. The Assembly will first consider the report of the Fourth Committee under agenda item 24, concerning chapters of the report of the Special Committee relating to specific Territories. The report is contained in document A/33/460. 72. I shall now call on those representatives who wish to explain their vote before the vote.

The delegation of Guatemala stated its position on the question of Belize in the Fourth Committee in a clear and detailed manner when the Committee discussed agenda item 24. 3 Again we stated our I positions when we introduced the draft resolution which was adopted in the Committee and which is now before the General Assembly. However, we must explain now why Guatemala will not take part in the vote which is about to take place, 74. Guatemala, through its representative in the Fourth Committee, presented the position of our Government and s.ated: "The United Kingdom and Guatemala began more than two years ago a new series of direct negotiations in which positive progress has been made in the interests of bringing about an honourable and just settlement for all the parties concerned. "Guatemala has decided in good faith to accept conciliatory formulas which would help bring about an honourable and just settlement, for which purpose it is necessary to enter negotiatio-ts with a flexible attitude and a willingness to make mutual concessions, in awareness of the aspirations of the people of Belize to self-determination, "Regrettably, certain Governments which have nothing to do with the dispute have applied political pressure in various international forums in an attempt to resolve the problem on behalf of special interests and have obtained in return political concessions from various blocs and movements, which then try to define matters in the United Nations in a manner which is neither orthodox nor strictly in accordar.ce with the Charter and other rules in force in the Organization. Those actions un- 75. On earlier occaso.ns we have emphasized the im- propriety of injecting pol'tical elements into legal 1'.0- cedures in disregard of values constituting the basic aims of justice in intemationallaw, such as peace, security, equality and equity because such action must lead to obstruction of the process of peaceful settlement of disputes and renders null and void any resolution distorted in this way. 76. Generally accepted and undeniably valid international principles must be made effective enough to become rules of law because their application in disregard of those rules must lead to acts or provisions devoid of strength and effectiveness, even if they take the form of mere recom- mendations. It should also be borne in mind that, notwith- standing the general validity of certain principles, their application must take into account individual features which make one case different from another. In the area of decolonization, no two cases are the same and that is an axiom fully recognized in the United Nations. The case of Belize is unique because the self-determination of its people is being sought through the complete dismemberment of the territory of an established State whose territorial integrity would thus be affected. 77. Guatemala has always respected the principle of self-determination and we moreover vigorously support that principle, but it is ~11deniable that the implementation of that principle must not go to the extreme of violating another equally sound principle, that of the territorial 78. That is true in the case of Belize, which goes back to a territorial dispute in existence for many years between Guatemala and the United Kingdom, two sovereign States which have agreed on specific and proper procedures in an endeavour to reach a peaceful and equitable settlement in keeping with the United Nations Charter. 79. That procedure consists of direct negotiations and these have been going on now for several years. There have been ups-and-downs, reasonable intervals between proposals and counter-proposals and other incidents which are normal in such transactions notwithstanding the determination of the parties to come to an early agreement on points likely to lead to a fmal settlement ofthe essential issue. 80. Guatemala has constantly striven to steer the nego- tiations in a positive direction. We are open-minded and flexible; we are prepared to maintain that attitude until a just and honourable settlement of the case has been brought about, with due recognition of the rights of the parties and bearing duly in mind the vital interests and -splrations of the people of Belize. Their aspirations are justified and can be achieved since we are aware of our common destiny because of our geographical proximity, our common history and national interests, and because of the irreversible need to work together in developing our region. We do not consider that we have exhausted all efforts to reach a settlement which can be achievedin short order if the other side takes an equally positive and forthcoming stand. 81. We would remind the Assembly that in accordance with the rules of law governingnegotiations and the way in which they are to be conducted, the International Court of Justice had the following to say in the North Sea Continental Shelf case: "... the parties are under an obligation to enter into negotiations with a view to arriving at an agreement and not merely to go through a formal process of negotiation, as a sort of prior condition for the automatic application of a certain method of delimitation ID the absence of agreement; they are under an obligation so to conduct themselves that the negotiations are meaningful, which will not be the case when either of them insists upon its own position without contemplating any modification ofit."6 82. In the present case, Guatemala has shown great flexibility and open-mindedness, whereas the other side has insisted on its own position without any modification. Moreover, these negotiations have been disrupted in this Assembly by abnormal alien elements, and that has served only to delay an equitable settlement. Bringing up the matter in this forum for the purpose of predetermining the terms of a settlement can only be viewed as a manoeuvre designed to fix conditions in a manner incompatible with the procedures to be followed in negotiations leading to reasonable and peaceful settlement of disputes. Such 83. Certain other actions of the United Kingdom and other delegations have also been unreliable and counter- productive as they have been.clearly aimed at bringing the pressure of the international community to bear against our country. A small country like Guatemala, in spite of the vicissitudes which we have had to suffer in the past century in asserting our independence and our national institutions, has constantly tried to develop and protect its territorial integrity and fulfil its obligations in this and other international bodies. Guatemala has had to fight for its. security and well-being against the onslaught of imperialism and colonialism. Eventually, as a result of our conciliatory and correct course of action we have established a position which has gained for us respect and admiration on the American continent; paradoxically, we now have to face attacks by other similar nations which ought to share our desire to emerge from under-development in the face of a major Power which they have always abhorred. Victims of their emotions, they have lost all perspective and all awareness of the realities of the case in the interests of immediate and fleeting objectives. Others have been in- fluenced by the manoeuvres of that colonialist great Power which they themselves have always condemned and which wishes to perpetuate its domination over another country to the detriment of the sovereignty and integrity of an established State, exploiting the weakness of a new entity . which it wishesto mould to its own desires using the lure of relative autonomy to further its.own designs. 84. It is also well known that the implementation of certain principles is vehemently and indiscriminately de- manded, putting expediency above more permanent values and concepts that have a more solid and positive doctrinal base. In this way it has been possible to transform the justified new an.f-imperialist and anti-colonialist wave into an effective political instrument for lessening the great prestige of our Organization. 85. The GeneralAssemblyhas made the mistake oftrying to lay down terms and conditions to resolve an issue which has already been made subject to certain procedures laid down in the Charter. Resolutions adopted in this hall in recent years have added nothing positive to the settlement of this problem; far from clearing the way for an-agreement, they have served only to obstruct procedures. 86. Guatemala maintains its faith in the principles and purposes of the United Nations and its actions. We are determined to pursue our efforts to find common areas of agreement and fmally to settle problems through nego- tiations. But we cannot vote in favour of any departure from this course, such as the draft resolution submitted by the Fourth Committee proposes. This draft resolution, like its predecessors, attempts to lay down courses of action, to prejudge results and to restrict the actions ofparties in the dispute. 87. Instead, we put forward in the Eourth Committee the rational and appropriate draft resolution contained in document A/C.4/33/L.24, sponsored by nine Member States. That draft resolution contained the- necessary elements for the General Assembly, in respect for the 88. For these reasons Guatemala will not take part in the vote on draft resolution A/33/L.19, which we specifically reject.

Together with other delegations in the Fourth Committee my delegation sponsored a draft reso- lution which was not adopted and whose aim was to urge the parties directly concerned in the question of Belize to conclude negotiations, which have been intensive in recent years, in order as soon as possible to reach a satisfactory agreement in keeping with the principles of the Charter and other relevant instruments. 90. Everything indicates that the negotiations have reached a decisive stage, and that we must be careful to promote their continuation so that the parties may at once safeguard and reconcile their respective rights, thereby preserving not only peace, but also the bright possibilities for future co-operation among the peoples of Central America. 91. It is for this reason that my delegation will not take part in the voting on draft resolution vn on Belize, recommended by the Fourth Committee. However, we wish to reiterate our appeal to Guatemala and the United Kingdom,in consultation with the authorities in Belize and, where appropriate, with other Governments concerned in the area, to pursue their negotiations with a view to a speedy settlement.

Nicaraguahas decided not to take part in the vote on the draft resolution before us. With other Central American countries, and with some countries outside our area, Nicaragua sponsored a draft resolution which was not ado-red in the Fourth Committee. In that draft resolution, the principle of the self-determination of peoples was reaffmned, and the Governments of Guatemala and the United Kingdom were urged to accelerate nego- tiations to bring about a speedy settlement of the dispute. My country considers that such an action would respect and ensure the implementation of the principles of our Organization without introducing any alienelements, as the draft resolution before us does. 93. It is for this reason that we stand with Guatemala in its decision not to take part in the vote on this draft, which we feel would not contribute to a just and impartial settlement ofthe question of Belize. 7 The delegation of Guatemala subsequently informed the Secre- tariat \.l1at it wished to have its vote recorded as having been against the draft resolution. 94. The PRESIDENT (interpretation from Spanish): We 8 The delegation of Comoros subsequently informed the Secr&-. will now proceed to a decision on the various recorn- tariat that it wi~hed to have its vote recorded as having been against mendations of the Fourth Committee. We turn first to the th~ draft resolution. 95. Draft resolution I is entitled "Question of the New Hebrides". The Fourth Committee adopted this draft resolution without objection. MayI take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise?

Draft resolutions 11 A and B are entitled "Question of Western Sahara". I shall first put to the vote draft resolution 11 A. A recorded vote has been requested.

We shall now proceed to the vote on draft resolution 11 B. A recorded vote has been requested. Against: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Barbados, Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cape Verde, Congo, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic Yemen, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Syrian Arab Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, United Republic of Tanzania, Yugo- slavia Abstaining: Belgium, Bhutan, Bulgaria, Burma, Byelo- russian Soviet Socialist Republic, Canada, Chad, Czecho- slovakia, Denmark, Djibouti, Fiji, France, Ger: .ian Demo- cratic Republic, Germany, Federal Republic of, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Kuwait, Leban6n, Luxembourg, Malawi, Mexico, Mongolia, Neth- erlands, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Tunisia, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Cameroon, Venezuela, Zambia

Draft resolution III is entitled "Question of American Samoa". The Fourth Committee adopted the draft resolution without objection. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise?

We come now to draft resolution IV, entitled "Question of Guam". The Fourth Committee adopted the draft reso- lution without objection. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise?

Draft resolution V is entitled "Question of the United States Virgin Islands". The Fourth Committee adopted 9 The delegation of Guatemala subsequently informed the Secre- tariat that it wished to have its vote recorded as having been against the draft resolution. 10 The delegation of .Comoros subsequently informed the Secre- tariat that it wished to have its vote recorded as having beer. in favour of the draft resolution. l' II '

Draft resolution VI is entitled "Question of Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands, British V1lgin Islands and Montserrat". The Fourth Committee adopted the draft resolution without objection. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise?

We come now to draft resolution VII entitled "Question of Belize". A recorded vote has been requested.

I now invite the General Assembly to consider the four draft consensuses recommended by the Fourth Committee in paragraph 54 ofits report IA/33/460j. 105. The PRESlPENT {interpretation from Spanish): Draft consensus 11 is entitled "Question of Tokelau". The Fourth Committee adopted draft consensus11 without objection. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise?

Draft consensusill is entitled "Question of St. Helena". The Fourth Committee adopted draft consensusIII without objection. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise?

Draft consensusIV is entitled "Question of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands". The Fourth Committee adopted draft consensusIV without objection. May I take it that the GeneralAssembly wishesto do likewise? 116. We welcome the fact that the Government of Guatemala is ready to continue negotiations with us. My 'Government believes that by working together we can achieve a settlement in the interests of all the parties and that such a settlement would lead to the establishment with Guatemala of the friendly relations which Britain and Belize currently enjoy with the other States. of Latin America. We look forward to continuing those negotiations at an early date. Draft consensus IV was adopted (decision 33/411). 108. The PRESIDEt~T (interpretation from Spanish): We now come to the three draft decisions recommended by the Fourth Committee in paragraph 55 of its report [A/33/ 460J. 109. Draft decisionI is entitled "Question of Brunei". The Fourth Committee adopted draft decisionI without a vote, . May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise?

Draft decision 11 is entitled "Question of Pitcairn, of the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) and of the Gilbert Islands". The Fourth Committee adopted draft decision 11 without a vote. May I take it that the GeneralAssembly wishesto do likewise?

Draft . decisionHI is entitled "Question of Antigua, St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla, St. Lucia and St. Vincent". The Fourth Committee adopted draft decisionIII without a vote. May I take it that the GeneralAssemblywishesto do likewise? 121. Our vote in favour of draft resolution VU,on Belize, is also in line with our concern for the exercise of the self-determination of peoples, in this case the people of Belize. Draft decision III was'adopted (decision 33/414).

I shall now call on those representatives wishing to explain their votes after the vote. 114. I should also like to make it clear once againthat the United Kingdom has no wish to maintain a colony in Central America. Only our controversy with Guatemalahas prevented for the past 13 years our bringing Belize to independence. 115. We regard the question as one concerningthe present right of the people of Belize to self-determination,but one historical fact should perhaps be mentioned. For 80 years, from 1859 to 1939, Guatemala recognized the present boundaries of Belize, which were defined in the 1859 Convention between the United Kingdom and Guatemala.r s We are now offering a modem equivalentof the road project envisaged in that Convention, together with other proposals which my delegation has describedin the Fourth Committee. We believe that this packageoffers the most constructive way forward.

Costa Rica has already explained its position on agendaitem 24. 118. We have always supported the principle of self- determination. Our explanation remains valid today, as we have voted in favour of draft resolutions 11 A and B, on Western Sahara, in document A/33/460. 119. We wish to say that our support for both draft resolutions is an indication of our desire that this matter be resolved as defmitivelyas possible, because we consider that the participation of the OAU, as indicated in draft resolutionII B, would be very valuable. 120. My delegation attributes great importance to the participation of regional organizations in matters which specifically concern a particular region, although we do not rule out consideration of the item in the world Organi- zation. 12 Convention between Great Britain and Guatemala, relative to the Boundary of British Honduras, signed at Guatemala City on 30 April 1859. See British and Foreign State Papers, 1858·1859, vat. XUX (London, Williarn Ridgway, 1867), pp. 7-13.

My country, as a member of the OAU and as Chairman of the "committee of wise men" appointed by the OAU to take a decision on the conflict concerning Western Sahara,13 voted in favour of the draft resolu- tions 11 A and B contained in the report of the Fourth Committee, just adopted by the General-Assembly. 124. My country has maintained this attitude in a spirit of impartiality and with an awareness ofthe ideals of equality, in order to fmd out the viewsof all parties concerned in the conflict, because the "committee of wise men" is con- tinuing its efforts to fmd an African solution to the conflict concerning Western Sahara. My country, both in the Fourth Committee and in the General Assembly, voted in favour of these two draft resolutions in order to create an appropriate atmosphere and to ensure that the work of the "committee of wise men" will be successful. The attitude of my country to the question of Western Sahara is well known to all representatives here, and we do not intend to go into the details ofthat attitude now. We do not wish to reiterate our position while the efforts of the "committee of wise men" are continuing. Furthermore, given our position as Chairman of the "committee of wise men", where we have expressed our preference for one resolution or another we will not repeat it lest it be construed to mean that Sudan is in any way partial when it is making great efforts to find a solution acceptable to all the parties concerned. 125. Sudan, as Chairman ofthe committee, wishes to state that, in the interest of resolving the Western Sahara question, it voted in favour of both the draft resolutions because its primary concern was to become familiar with all points ofview and thus to achieve the objective of finding a solution which will be acceptable to all the parties concerned. 126. Mr. VO ANH TUAN (Viet Narn) [interpretation from French): My delegation supported the consensus that emerged on draft resolution IV on the "Question of Guam". Nevertheless, we would like to enter reservations on operative paragraph 7 and to make the following statement. The presence of foreign military bases and installations in a Non-Self-Governing Territory such as Guam is a serious obstacle to the exercise of the right of self-determination and independence of colonial peoples. It is incompatible with the Charter of the United Nations and the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. Therefore all military bases and installations should be withdrawn immediately and unconditionally.

The delegation of El Salvador explained its 13Adhoc committee of Headsof State to consider all the data on the question of Western Sahara, including the exercise of the right of the people of that Territory to self-determination. See document A/33/235 and Corr.l, annex 11, resolution AHG/Res.92 (XV). 128. Although it is true that in draft resolution VII, which was adopted a few moments ago, there are certain paragraphs which we find acceptable, there are others which we feel would not contribute to a settlement ofthe problem through the peaceful means of the negotiations which are now going on. 129. My government believes that direct negotiation is one of the most appropriate means of solving this type of problem, and consequently we feel that the parties con- cerned-Guatemala, tfu, United Kingdom and the people of Belize-should be the ones to resolvethe problem throughthe negotiations which are at present takiag place and which we naturally hope will be successful For that reason We preferred not to take part in the vote on that draft resolution. 130. I should like also to say something about draft consensus I which was adopted on the question of Gib- raltar. That is a question which has always been of concern to my Government because it is a long-standing problem between two European countries, one of which, Spain, is closely related to our country since it is the former metropolitan country. This does not mean that we do not also have respect and admiration for the United Kingdom. 131. We therefore hope that that .decision will lead to an intensification of negotiations between Spain and the United Kingdom that will bring about a satisfactory settlement ofthe problem of Gibraltar.

We come now to the report of the Fourth Committee under agenda item 92 [A/33/448]. I now put to the vote the draft resolution entitled "Information from Non-Self- Governing Territories transmitted under Article 73 e of the Charter of the United Nations", which has been recom- mended by the Fourth Committee in paragraph 10 of its report. A recorded vote has been requested.

We shall now take a vote on draft resolution B. A recorded vote has been requested. In favour: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argen- tina, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burma, Burundi, Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, Cape Verde, Central African Empire, Chad, Chile, China, Co- lombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechoslovakia, Democratic Yemen, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, Gambia, German Democratic Republic, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea- Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Mada- gascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Nica- ragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Syrian Arab. Republic, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and_Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Camcroon, United Republic of Tanzania, Upper Volta, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia Against: None Abstaining: France, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States ofAmerica The draft resolution lVtlS adopted by 138 votes to none, with 3 abstentions (resolution 33/37).

The General Assembly will now consider the report of the Fourth Committee on agenda item 93 [A/33/452]. We shall take a decision on draft resolutions A and B grouped under the heading "Question of Southern Rhodesia", which have been recommended by the Fourth Committee in paragraph 14 ofits report. 134. We turn first to draft resolution A. A recorded vote has been requested.

To explain his vote after the vote, I now call on the representative of Botswana.

Botswana voted for the two draft resolutions on the question of Southern Rhodesia. This is, of course, as it should be, for we feel strongly about the freedom of our brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe. I should, however, like to make the same reservation that Botswana made in the Fourth Committee 15 The delegation of Somalia subsequently informed the Secre- tariat that it wished to have its vote recorded as having been in favour of the draft resolution.

The General Assembly will now consider the report of the Fourth Committee on agenda item 94 on the question of East Timor. The report is contained in document A/33/ 139. In explanation of his vote before the vote, I call on the representative of Indonesia.

The Assembly is again faced with a draft resolution, the text of which is contained in document A/33/455, as a result of a yearly routine of arbitrarily distorting developments while ignoring facts and existing realities in East Timor. This is particularly disturbing as my delegation has again supplied the Fourth Committee with the relevant facts and ad- ditional information with regardto the latest developments to enable the Committee to obtain an objective view ofthe situation in the province. 141. My delegation has no intention of going into the details of the draft resolution. I have already spoken at length in the Fourth Commlttee- e on the developments in East Timor which refute the validity of the provisions in the draft resolution. 142. Apart from my delegation's considered view that the discussion of the situation in East Timor by the United Nations is an unacceptable interference in the internal affairs of Indonesia in contravention of the relevant provisions of the Charter, I must state that the draft resolution has nothing to do with the facts and realities prevailing in East Timor. This draft is totally irrelevant to what has happened and is developing in the province. It is an established fact that the so-called FRETILIN17 has ceased to exist in East Timor, Its original "president", Mr. do Amaral, is now in Dill after having been freed from his guards who had held him prisoner. He has denounced his former colleagues in the leadership of the so-called FRETILIN as adventurers, at the same time exhorting them to surrender. The most recent to join the ranks of those who surrendered or were captured is the self-styledMinister of Information of the so-called FRETILIN, Mr. Alarico Fernandez. With Mr. Fernandez were three members of the central committee of the so-called FRETILIN and 40 other followers. 143. One must be an incorrigible cynic to be "Deeply concerned at the ... critical situation in East Timor"-as stated in the fifth preambular paragraph of the draft resolution and repeated in operative paragraph 4-while remaining blithely unconcerned about truly critical sit- 144. The people of East Timor have made their decision in 1J.~e exercise of their right to self-determination. Their decision is irreversible. The people of East Timor are now. an integral part of the Indonesian people, and East Timor an integral part of the territory of the independent and sovereign Republic of Indonesia. Nothing can change that fact. . 145. My delegation puts on record Indonesia's categorical and total rejection of this drat': resolution. My delegation will vote against it.

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution entitled "Question of East Timor", which has been recom- mended by the Fourth Committee in paragraph 12 of its report in document A/33/455. A recorded vote has been requested.