TNAG-1022-FCO40-1272-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-the-United-Nations-1981 — Page 37

Credentials

11.

The Foreign Minister of the new Afghan regime spoke in the Security Council debate on January 1980. UK did not object to his participation but reserved the UK position on recognition. Credentials of all delegations to the emergency special session (including Afghanistan) were accepted without a vote.

12.

?

Our policy is no longer to accord recognition to governments. If the opportunity arises the following reservation, which is in accordance with our new policy, should be entered: The fact that my Delegation has raised no formal challenge to the Credentials of the Delegation from Afghanistan should of course in no way be taken to imply that the Government of the United Kingdom regard the present regime in Kabul as being a government'.

13. UK Delegations should not take the lead in challenging the Credentials of Karmal's regime. If a vote is called the Delegation should seek instructions.

UK Policy

14. We wish to keep Soviet intervention in Afghanistan in the public eye and encourage other countries (particularly Islamic countries and the non-aligned) to pursue sustained action to demonstrate their concern.

(4)