S/PV.1267 Security Council

Tbis draft resolution was submitted laet 16. Tbe PRESIDENT (translated from Spanfsh):Since no other member of the Councll wisbes to speak, 1 think 1 should &aw attention, first, to the Jordanian representative’s suggestion that it would be useful to hear the opinions of members of the Council regarding this draft resolution. Secondly, we bave the opinion of tbe United States representative that he would welcome the idea of continuiag consultations in an effort to reach an understsnding onthis draft resolution. The otber members of tbe Council, for one re*son or another, me apparently net in a position to express their vlews on the draft resolution at the moment. Consequently, if the Counoü 8~88% 1 would interuret the United States reore- -. Sëntatiie’S suggeation‘as implying tbat we shoulc *djOUIW this meeting and continue the consultations, snd tbe President would bave to cal1 another meeting when the conversations lead to some result.

Since tbe otber mem. bers around tbis table are not in a position OP arc 110t willing to take a stand on this draft resolutior now-and 1 take it that there is nothïng to indicatf th&t an amendment or an ides is about to be presentec on tbis draft resolution-1 would support tbe viea of my colleague, tbe representative of the Ivor~ Coast, that tbis draft resolution sbould be put tc tbe vote now. I bave a statement to make inune. diately after the vote.

The representatives of African and otber countries wbo havc spoken in the Security Council bave very convincingl> sbown th&t the criminal actions carried out by tht Lisbon colonialists against tbe peoples of Africa with the support of soms States membsrs of thc NATO military bloc constitute a serious threat tc peste and security in Africa and tlarougbout tbe world . I 10. Tbe Soviet delegation fully supports the representstives of African countries wbo, speaking herc on bebalf of the Organisation of African Wnity. bam rigbtfuIly demanded that the sternest measures pro. vided in tbe United Nations Charter be aaolied tc the Portuguese colonialists, wIa0 bave fl&ed sc many of tbe resolutions of the United Nations. : I 20. We are tberefore gratified that in tbe dra5 resolution submttted by the African and Asian cou tries tbere 1s a pasagrspb calling upon aI1 Statei ta .take mmxres to boycott aM Rortuguese importÉ . I of the Lisbon régime ail militw. ewnomic, eolonialists who, by cruelly sepressing the s for Ilatio liberation, are see in Africa last wstigss of the system. 22. As was cogently pointed out today by the representative of Tunisia, tbe Ivory Coast and Liberia, ami by otkrs, tkere cas only he one interpretave wbicb are intended of tbe Lisbon régime lending all possible movément, the Soviet Union resolutely advocatea tbe immediate adoption of measures to guarantee tbe rigbt of tbe peoples in tire Territories under &e control of tbe Lisbon régime to self-determination end national independace. 24. That being our position, we sball vote in faveur of tbe draft resolution of tbe ftfrican-Asian countries, aiihougb in our view it is in tbe nature of * compromise and does .not folly meet the demands of the penpIes wbo are struggling for liberation from Lisbon% c&mial yoke. The Soviet delegatien is prepared to vote on ibis draft resolution QIithout delay. 25. Tbe PRESIDENT (translated from Spanish): We now bave before us tbe Jordanian representative’s suggestion tbat we sbould put the draft resolution tc the vote forihwith. We also bave a suggestion by tbe United SUeS representative that time sbould be alIowed for furtber consultations. Tais seems t0 he an occasion when the Council must itself decide on tbe appropriate pmoedure to be followed in thés delicate matter.

We eneressed oui readmess to continue consultations, and We bope tbat tbat may still be possible: but, ifthe sponsore Of tbe draft resolution strongly believe tbat we simld vote upon it at tbis Urne, we should net Interpose any objection 29. 1 shall go even further and repeat wbat 1 said only this morning, on bebalf of all the Ministers participating in this debate. 1 could say, wlthout risk of being contradicted by any IIead of State or Goverument, that we uuderstand the prlnoiple of self-determlnation as one that must caver ail possibilities-1 repeat “911 possibillties*-from cboosing to remain a Portuguese province for ever to choosing immedlate independence. On condition, of course, that any such choice was expressed freely and wlthout constraint by the entire populations of Angola, Mozambique and so-called Portuguese Guinea, and that tbey freely and without restraintgaveunequivocal expression to their desire to remain Portuguese provhmes, we should bave nothing to say. 30. 1 concluded my statement this morning byputting a question to the Portuguese Government through the intermediarv of its delesation here present: does the Port&ese Gover&ent accept such an interpretation or not, tbat is to say the lnterpretation coverlng all the possibilities of self-determlnatien freely and clearly expressed. from that of remalnlng Portuguese provinces to tbat of complete independence? If the Portuguese Government does net accept this interpretation, tben in our opinion no discussion is Possible, since thls interpretation of the principle of seif-determination is the one expressed in many General Assembly resolutions, since in 1963 the Secretary-General made a serioue and hcnest endeavour wbich came to uothing, and since tbe Security Council, in the COUPS~ of its meetings in December 1963, expressed its regret tbat tbe discussions bad yielded no results fit to glve .its own deflnition of tbe principle of self--determination[resolutioa183 (1963)). 31.. That 1s why 1 ask tbis question. If we are about to enter into a diacuseion of this principle, it is a vary serious matter, t is a mucb more serious malter thau tbe present discussion on the war and repreesion in the Territories under Portuguese administration, because it touches on the very substance of certain principles tbat should prevail bere in tbe Secur,ity Cmmcil. Tbe General Assembly kwws tbat, when a definition bas been given by an orgqn 88 im~rtant a* the Security Council, that definition cannot bs brougbt iuto question. 35. It eeems to me mat on tbis sub&ect we are in tb2.t 1 Gmgree wsohtion, thus expressing the desire and stions put forresolution but si to prQlx!ecl to a quite logical 52x3 nornml. 35. I do net tbfnk, in my bsart 5116 my conscience, tbat in su& a case the situation in the Territories under Portuguese a istmtion is Kkely to suffer 8s a result, but 5 more serions possibsity is that tbe ~llaced in tbe United Nations and inthe hi@? n primasily responsible for international security m5y be somwhat disappoiated. 36. 1 venture to eay tbat, during certain debates tbat tmk @ace abat a CouucU on otber mtters wsre rekiwlhxl sures wbicb oumil is able CIO DC& kmxv whether, if su& an altitude at tbe em3 of this debete and if su& 03nCkEdOsS are ks5chd on tiIe sir5jeCt Of the Territories urw’er Poshaguese administration, thosehopes -si11 be tbe s5ms; 37. 1 5bmld lib to point out once again that 011 Saturdw tbe Seeu& Coud1 acfoptpted resolution 23.7 (1665) on tbe question of Soutiero Rhodesis 5QQbmIg eCOtmnf0 sanctions aad endoreiog theeconomit sanoti0ns imposed by a permanent member of tbe Security Council, tbs Uoited Kingdom. bave Sand-ancl the representative of Liberia South Africa. Tbere tentions tiikdy to

In accordance with the request of the Jordanian representative, supported by the representative of the Soviet Union, and since the United States representative has indicated that he has no objection, 1 propose to put the draft resolution [S/6953/Rev.l] to a vote.

New that the President bas asked tbe Councll to proceed to the vote, 1 should like briefly to explaln my vote. Like the delegation of the Netherlands. inv deleeation has not received .- - instructions with respect to this draft resolution. Wowever, in keeping with my Government’s general policy wlth regard to colonial problems and witb partioular reference to the principle of self-determination, my delegation is prepared to give its support to the draft resolution. 42. We are not, however. without certain reservations regarding paragraph 8 of the draft resolution. 1 notice that differences of opinion bave been expressed concerning bath paragraphs ‘7 and 6.1 think that my delegation is prepared ta vote in faveur of paragraph 7. which calls for measures to prevent the sale and shipment of equipment and materials for the manufacture and maintenance of arms and ammunition. Paragraph 8 cal16 for a total economic boycott of Portuguese imports and experts, and my debxation is not auite certain what the total effect of this provision would be, although we bave no appreciable amount of trade to’be considered. 43. Therefore, in the event that a separate vote is called for on paragraph 6, my delegation will be obliged to abstain. But if no separate vote is taken, roy delegation Will bave to vote in faveur of the draft resolution as a whole. with tbe reservation which 1 bave just expressed.

The representative of China has net formally proposed that a separate vote should be taken on paragraph 8: he has said that he might bave to abstain in the vote on tbat paragrapb if any representative proposed that it should be put to tbe vote separately. Thus far there is no forma1 proposa1 for a separate vote on any paragraph.

In our statement at tbe 1256th meeting we thought that we had made ourselves absolutely clear when we said, first, that the Government of Uruguay condemns any vestige of colonialism: secondly, that it defines tbese Territories of Portugal a* an expression of colonialism; tbirdly. tbat the resolutions of the Security Council must b carried out witbout discussion: and fourthly, that Uruguay wouId tberefore support any action by tlie Councii 54. First i would like to say to the representative of Jordan that my Government has indeed made its nosition oerfectlv clear in this Cout~il in the statement which 1 &ade earlier 11254th meeting]~ and very specially we bave made our position clear on the vital and central question of self-determination. 1 do not believe that the words 1 used could bave been more positive and more definite. 55. But now 1 hear tbat it is tbe view of a number of members tbat we should proceed to vote on tbe very important draft resolution before us. and tbat we should proceed to the vote immediately. We bave been greatly privileged to bave with us the distinguished Foreign Mini&ers who bave corne to state their views to us in tbis Council. We would always wish to meet their convenience and, as a matter of courtesy alone, we would wish to bow to any exnression of their desires wbich thev miaht wish to-put to us. Iiowever. here agaln 1 &uld respectfully say that 1 do mat thih their vlews could bave been more clearly stated than they bave been, and 1 doubt that the Foreign Ministers would wish to add anything or to ampli@ or attempt to clarify. 1 do net believe that it would ‘bs necessarv for tbem to say more to us: they bave made theii positions 8s clear as could be. Therefore it does net seem to me that a short postponement of our final decision would be in any way contrary to tbeir interests or their wlshes. 56. But now we are faced with a draft resolution which is of very great consequence and wbich bas been before us for only a short period. We gatbered from the discussions that bave taken place that there are proposais that we sbould perhaps take separate votes on different paragraphs in tbe draft resolution, or indeed tbat even some rewording might be attempted in certain of the vital paragraphs of tbe draft resolution. These changes if tbey take place-and, of couree, tbe CounciI is perfectly free to make such changes in tbe draft resolution if the sponnors 80 wish-radically alter the decisions wbich we are called uoon to make. 1 believe tbat all of us would wish ti act in this matter very strfctly in accordance with tbewishesofourownGovernment& 57. We face. therefore, a very serious, a very important and indeed a complicated situation. 1 would bave thought tbat it was not unreasanable-indeed, 1 would m furtber and I would sav that it was in the inter&ts of the traditions of tbis CounciItbat when a matter of this importance ami indeed of tbis complication bas to be decided tbere sbould be no attempt to force throu a decision at tbe estpense of a delay 2 ;dmps o day or 60. iooratea, in wblch case ing wbat bas bapwned Fertoratlcn; or it bas vie ViàU reaffirm cur sFa& of 1963. I @id act refer to a5ytbing else. 60. As for tbe n.ew suggestion about pcstponement, of txwse vie never inteaded ta pusb Fbe draft to ~X)\“I tbat new Hcweves Lt us Mhmnts, wbicb I 1 sot insist on any vote being taken are satisfied Qat it istime to vote. 61. Tbe PRESIDENT @raasPated hm Spanish): As rs of Fbe CoumaP bave just beard, tbe representatiw is mt pressing for an 62. 1 venture ta note, V&I tbe gkeatest respect éo tbe representative of Jcrdan, that for the mment 11e xnember of tbe Gouncil a~ass to be ready ta rcpxals or clartiication e before us only tbe su by tba United Ki@cm repreeentat we sbdd aiBcw time for consultations and avoid ma 5O~WbaF embarsassl0.g situation.

Perhsps it is embarrassing indeed, but 1 was under the imuression that certain views or amendments would be presented this afterncon. If we do not hear tbem this afternoon, we may tomorrow bave to face the same possibility of adjourning until the following day: and if we apply tbe nùes we may bave to postpone the matter for fortv-eight hours. SO. if there are aoy amendments, i wai wondering whether they would be presented this afternoon so as to give us a chance to look at them and study them and be ready to discuss them tomorrow. 1 was under the Impression that some amendments were going to be submitted tbis afterncon.

wish to inform the representative of &dan &at 1 tco would be vsrv interested to know whether there *re any nevf amendments for the Council tn dtscuss or any new views but 1 bave called for speakers three times and no member has expressed a desire to Spaak. 66. Lord CARADON (United Kingdom): 1 merely wish to express my appreciation for the way in which the representative of Jordan has responded to the suggestion wbich 1 put forward. 1 should like to make it quite clear that the suggestion w*s not put forward in any way to cause unreasonable delay. On the contrary, 1 think we must uroceed with all reasonable deliberation and soeed io the conclusions which the Council must reach. 67. If the changes or amendments which bave been discussed are net ready for formal presentation to the Council, perhaps it would be possible to suggest that-without tbeir being formallypresentedafter tbis meeting is adjourned the sponsors might communtcate to other members of the Council any suggestions or amendments tney bave in mind, in which case it would give us additional time to consider tlaem and to deal with them as promptly as possible. So my suggestion is that, if it is net possible for any changes which the sponsors contemplate to be put forward formally in the Council. the sponsors may be good enough to facilitate oui work by distributing their suggestions subsequently.

The United Kingdom representative’s position is unexceationable. If amendments to the draft resolution a& to be submitted, some time must obviously be allowed for their consideration. 1 think tbat the Jordanian representative’s comments, too, are well taken: in order that the interval may be useful, let us put forward some elements for consideration before adjouroicg tbe meeting, otherwise when we meet tomorrow we shall be exactly where we *2x? now. 74. We feel that this is a step forward, because if we hegin with a separate vcte on operative paragmph 8, which calls for an economic boycott of Portugal, ‘each member cari state his position in accordance ~4th his conscience, after whlch the rest of the draft resolution cari bs put to tbe vote. 76. With regard to paragraph 1, we say that if it does net imply the application of Chapter VII of the Charter-and a11 thls Will appear in tbe verbatim record-we shall be able to vote in faveur of it. With respect to paragraph 7 combined with paragraph 6 in a formula acceptable to the spcnsors, this would enable my delegation, after vcting against paragraph 8, to vote in faveur of the draft resclutien as a whole, with the new text of paragraphs 6 and 7 comblned in a draft which we reserve tbe rigbt t0 prepare in cur own language, witu a vfew tc its circulation to members of the Councll for study before tomorrow’s meeting.

1 take it tbe time has corne to adjourn thls meeting sc that the members of the Ccuncil may engage in further consultations. In accordance wlth my duty as President, I shall consuIt the members informally and call the next meétlng of the Council as soon as possible.

I do not thlnk that the sponsors cari accept an adjourninent without any indication of the date of the next meeting. In fact, 1 do net tlaick that we are now at a stage where consultations are necessary. You Will remember, Mr. President, that we requested an immediate vote on our draft resolutien and that you granted tbat request. Just as we were abcut tc vote, the representative of Uruguay requested a separate vote on certain paragraphs. The sponsors of the draft resolution asked for a suap&ion of tbe meeting-as is us@ since it is net possible to hold consultations wbile seated at the Council table-in order tc cons& each other on whetber they could agree to the separate votes requested by the representative of Uruguay. In the course of those coneultations, we came to *orne agreements with the representative of Uruguay and, as he himself bas told you, he is ready tc introduce certain amendments. But since the discuseicn was held in French and English, he would prefer to bave these amendmentr drafted in his cwn language before submittiorr them. althcugh fortunatelv he soeaks bath French &d En&&. !$e think that”he v& be able to submlt hic text this evening and it will thus be available to members of the Ccuncil. It shculd UOW TO OBTAIN UNITED United Notions publications may distributors throoghout the world. write to: United Notions, Soles COMMENT SE PROCURER LES PUBLICATIONS Les publications des Notions Unies sont agences dépositaires du monde entier. ou adressez-vous 0: Notionr Unies, Section COMO CONSEGUIR PUBLICACIONES tas publicaciones de 10s Nociones casas distribuidoros en todos portes dirijose ~1: Naciones Unidos, Seccibn Litho in U.N. mice: $US. 0.50 (or equivalent in otller