TNAG-1022-FCO40-1272-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-the-United-Nations-1981 — Page 123

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SOUTH AFRICA

1.

CONFIDENTIAL

(See also paragraphs on South Africa in section on Calls for the Expulsion of Members of the UN and the Specialised Agencies, [Page 30 and section on National Liberation Movements, Page 70.)

Attempts to use technical meetings to raise political issues connected with South Africa are likely to increase.

If such

attacks implicate the UK, the delegation may make a short statement drawing on the following as appropriate:

(i) The British Government have consistently made clear their

firm stand against apartheid; Britain's support for United Nations Security Council Resolution 418 of 1977 imposing a mandatory arms embargo against South Africa was a warning of the urgent need for change; Britain also supported United Nations Security Council Resolution 473 of 1980 expressing concern at disturbances in South Africa and calling for the release of all political prisoners including Mr Nelson Mandela. However, Britain does not support the use of force and we bel- ieve further sanctions would not work against South Africa, and would seriously damage black interests in South Africa and neighbouring states. The British Government's view is that more can be done by constructive dialogue and encouragement, where this is appropriate, than by threats and punitive action.

(ii) The Government accept their responsibility to fulfil faithfully

their obligations under Security Council Resolution 418 and have passed the necessary legislation to enforce the UN Arms Embargo. There is no military collaboration between the UK

and South Africa.

(iii)

The Government does not collaborate in any way with South Africa in the development of a nuclear weapons capability. Nor do we supply nuclear material, nuclear facilities and equipment or related economic assistance directed towards this objective: and we do not collaborate with South Africa

in the development of its civil nuclear power programme. continue to urge the South African Government to sign the

Non-Proliferation Treaty.

CONFIDENTIAL

(94)

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