FG SD
DSR 11C
19. As a European country Britain has been part-
icularly concerned with events in Poland. These may on
the face of it seem a domestic problem. But that is
not the case. The Polish people were proceeding
peacefully towards the liberalisation of a regime that
was originally imposed on them and which they have
always resented. Assured of full Soviet support that
regime took deliberate steps to extinguish these hopes
for a freer and a juster society. We shall continue to
call on the Polish authorities to return to the path
that was abandoned, and on the Soviet Union to allow
the peoples under their tutelage to develop in ways
more in accordance with their traditions and
aspirations.
SALD
20. It is a relief to be able to record that in one of
the world's major conflicts progress has been made
recently towards a settlement based on a United Nations
resolution. I am proud that Britain, as a member of
the contact group, has been able to contribute towards
progress over Namibia. For progress there has
undoubtedly been. It would be premature to assume that
the many obstacles in the path of Namibian independence
will all be overcome but the prospects look brighter
than for some time. If a solution can be achieved it
will be a heartening example of what can be achieved
through patient diplomacy backed by the United
Nations.