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In further discussion there was general agreement that it was most
desirable to take all steps possible to make sanctions effective. In particular, all possible pressure should be brought to bear on Portugal
to take steps to prevent the import of oil to Rhodesia through Mozambique
in accordance with the Security Council Resolution. It was noted that the
French Government, who were particularly concerned because a French company
was involved in the supply of oil to the refinery at Lourenco Marques,
had proved reluctant to join in an approach to the Portuguese Government.
This should not however prevent an approach now being made to the Portuguese
with the support of such other of our NATO allies as were prepared to join us
in urging the Portuguese to take effective action before the Secretary
General of the United Nations,U Thant, reported to the Security Council on
1st March about the implementation of the Resolution on sanctions; it should
be represented that unless such action were taken by them there would certainly be strong reactions against Portugal by the African countries. It was noted
that the Foreign Secretary was shortly seeing the retiring South African
Ambassador, who was due to take up a Ministerial appointment in South
Africa. It had been agreed not to put pressure on South Africa at this
stage but nevertheless it could be indicated to the South African Ambassador
that pressure on South Africa would inevitably follow if trade between
South Africa and Rhodesia increased in a manner which offset the effect of
sanctions applied by other countries.
THE PRIME MINISTER, summing up the discussion, said that the general
view of the Committee was that it would be undesirable for any further general
statement on the Government's attitude to future constitutional development
in Rhodesia to be made publicly at this stage. In view of the importance of the Governor's position it might however be made clear to him, and it would
then be conveyed to Mr. Smith privately, that if there were a simple return
to constitutional rule, i.e. to the position as before 11th November 1965,
then sanctions would end. As regards the prosecution of sanctions, an approach
should now be made to the Portuguese Government, as agreed in discussion,
in co-operation with those of our allies who were willing to support us,
urging them to take effective measures to prevent the supply of oil to
Rhodesia through Mozambique in accordance with the Security Council Resolution.
Efforts should also continue to secure the co-operation of other governments,
including in particular the West German Government, in the prosecution of
sanctions.
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