TNAG-0930-FCO40-1148-Sanctions-against-Iran-extension-to-Dependent-Territories-1980 — Page 129

5

8. One aspect of the decision reached at Naples was the

subject of criticism in the House of Commons. This was the

decision to ban exports under existing contracts entered into after 4 November 1979 (the date of the seizure of the hostages). The Government accordingly decided that goods exported under arrangements entered into before the date on which the Orders came into effect would be exempted.

9.

The UK Orders applying sanctions were made on 29 May and came into effect the following day.

10. All other member states of the European Community have likewise introduced their own sanctions against Iran in accord- ance with the decision taken by the Foreign Ministers at Naples. These should have broadly similar effect to those adopted by the British Government. We are in close touch with them about

this. A comparison of the effects of the various measures adopted will be possible only after a period of time. A technical committee has been set up among the Nine to keep under review the application of the measures. A number of other OECD member states, including Japan, Australia and Canada, have also introduced sanctions along similar lines to those applied by the European Community member states.

11.

These sanctions are not aimed against the Iranian revolu- tion. The British Government has made clear that it fully respects and upholds the right of the Iranian people to be governed by whatever form of Government they freely choose. The sanctions are intended to show that Iran cannot expect to enjoy full economic cooperation with the West so long as she defies international law by detaining the hostages.

: /PART II