CAB148-30-Defence and Oversea Policy Committee Meetings Relating to 1967 Disturbances-1967 — Page 289

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1.

RHODESIA

(Previous Reference: OPD(67) 21st Meeting Minutes)

The Committee had before them a memorandum by the Foreign Secretary and the Commonwealth Secretary (OPD(67) 75) on Rhodesia and a note by

the Secretaries (OPD(67) 76) covering a report by the Official Committee

on future policy in Africa.

The Committee's discussion is recorded separately.

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2.

RHODESIA:

OIL EMBARGO

(Previous Reference: OPD(67) 28th Meeting, Item 6)

The Committee had before them a memorandum by the Commonwealth Secretary (OPD(67) 73) covering a report by officials on the feasibility

and practical implications of action to reduce or stop the flow of oil

to Rhodesia through Mozambique,

THE COMMONWEALTH SECRETARY said that although the imposition of oil

sanctions against Mozambique would have political advantages especially

in the United Nations, there were overwhelming practical, economic and

political arguments against it. We could not enforce a blockade alone

and there was no prospect of establishing a United Nations force. The

blockade would be ineffective unless South Africa was willing to

co-operate or unless it was extended to South Africa also. Even then it

could have no effect for some considerable time. There was no need for

immediate and final decisions. The Commonwealth Sanctions Committee had

set up a Working Party to examine means of making sanctions more effective.

We should wait for its report. Meanwhile, we might study other possible

means of preventing oil reaching Mozambique. A French company, the Compagnie Francaise des Petroles (CFP) was the main source of supply.

company, we could try to

As a means of bringing pressure to bear on the

mobilise opinion in the African Commonwealth; and it was for considera-

tion whether we should also seek the support of the oil producing

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countries.

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