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8.
(c) Finally we should also tell Salim that though we have no objection to attending debates on territories subject to sovereignty disputes, (Gibraltar, the Falklands, and Belize) we would not propose to speak unless absolutely necessary, and indeed our strong advice would be that the Committee should not discuss them at all, or only formally. We have good arguments there is no need to stir up further trouble about these territories which are already discussed and argued over in the Fourth Committee
and in the General Assembly; further debate in Committee would simply set back the prospects for a peaceful settlemat by forcing the two sides to take up rigid positions; and in particular a visiting mission to any of them would need very careful consideration and thorough preparation with all the parties concerned.
Two final points. First, Rhodesia. I do not consider we need be unduly disturbed at the prospect of our taking part in Committee discussions on Rhodesia for the following reasons:
this year's debate is already over we are reporting it separately;
(i).
(ii)
(iii)
if we can think of ways of making sanctions more effective, this would give us here enough straw on which to build the basis of a defensive position;
most important of all, I do not believe that the Committee seriously expects HMG to change its Rhodesian policy substantially. I think it will go on passing tough resolutions on paper, but that its eyes are firmly on the Southern African ground and on the future of the liberation movements.
9. In conclusion, I would like to repeat Jeremy Thomas's comment, in his letter to Miss Solesby of 19 March, that whatever we do, all will not suddenly become sweetness and light. But what I hope these recommendations could achieve is to give us the opportunity of playing a more positive part in the UN debate on decolonisation. It may have been wise, over the past few years, to have absented But times ourselves and I express no opinion on that judgement. change and in my opinion, British interests would now be best secured by the degree of participation in the Committee of 24's
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