TNAG-1022-FCO40-1272-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-the-United-Nations-1981 — Page 106

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the resolution passed at the Emergency Special Session of the UN General Assembly on Afghanistan which implicitly condemned the Soviet Union. When the non-aligned finally met at Foreign Minister level at New Delhi in February 1981 the combination of the non-aligned members of the Islamic Conference with most other non-aligned countries such as Yugoslavia which were bitterly critical of the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan, and the ASEAN participants, furious about the intervention and the lack of reference to the Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia in non-

aligned documents, enabled the Movement to use its principles to be critical of both the invasion of Afghanistan and of Cuba. This constituted a serious setback for the minority in the Movement who support the 'natural allies' thesis. The next Chairman, Iraq, is likely to be particularly interested in the Palestinians and economic issues.

3. Although its members represent many different ideologies, culture and states of development, the NAM has nonetheless become a factor which should not be ignored, especially at the United Nations. Although divided on many international issues, it is generally united in supporting increased development and disarmament and in opposing colonialism and racism. Its verbose declarations frequently presage initiatives at the UN which could be harmful to Western interests (eg sanctions on South Africa and Israel, and pressure for elimination of

foreign military basis).

4. Delegations should look closely at attempts by non- aligned countries to seek UN endorsement of non-aligned documents and policies. If in doubt they should refer to FCO

for instruction (233 4233).

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