CAB148-30-Defence and Oversea Policy Committee Meetings Relating to 1967 Disturbances-1967 — Page 49

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In further discussion there was general agreement that it was most

desirable to take all steps possible to make sanctions effective. In particular, all possible pressure should be brought to bear on Portugal

to take steps to prevent the import of oil to Rhodesia through Mozambique

in accordance with the Security Council Resolution. It was noted that the

French Government, who were particularly concerned because a French company

was involved in the supply of oil to the refinery at Lourenco Marques,

had proved reluctant to join in an approach to the Portuguese Government.

This should not however prevent an approach now being made to the Portuguese

with the support of such other of our NATO allies as were prepared to join us

in urging the Portuguese to take effective action before the Secretary

General of the United Nations,U Thant, reported to the Security Council on

1st March about the implementation of the Resolution on sanctions; it should

be represented that unless such action were taken by them there would certainly be strong reactions against Portugal by the African countries. It was noted

that the Foreign Secretary was shortly seeing the retiring South African

Ambassador, who was due to take up a Ministerial appointment in South

Africa. It had been agreed not to put pressure on South Africa at this

stage but nevertheless it could be indicated to the South African Ambassador

that pressure on South Africa would inevitably follow if trade between

South Africa and Rhodesia increased in a manner which offset the effect of

sanctions applied by other countries.

THE PRIME MINISTER, summing up the discussion, said that the general

view of the Committee was that it would be undesirable for any further general

statement on the Government's attitude to future constitutional development

in Rhodesia to be made publicly at this stage. In view of the importance of the Governor's position it might however be made clear to him, and it would

then be conveyed to Mr. Smith privately, that if there were a simple return

to constitutional rule, i.e. to the position as before 11th November 1965,

then sanctions would end. As regards the prosecution of sanctions, an approach

should now be made to the Portuguese Government, as agreed in discussion,

in co-operation with those of our allies who were willing to support us,

urging them to take effective measures to prevent the supply of oil to

Rhodesia through Mozambique in accordance with the Security Council Resolution.

Efforts should also continue to secure the co-operation of other governments,

including in particular the West German Government, in the prosecution of

sanctions.

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