United Nations FOURTH COMMITTEE, 1363rd GENERAL MEETING ASSEMBLY Friday, 26 October 1962, at 3,45 p.m. SEVENTEENTH SESSION 0 f/icial Records • NEW YORK CONTENTS failed to appreciate the seriousness of the crisis Page threatening Southern . Agenda item 56: 3. During the forty years which had elapsed since Question of : report of the the first Constitution had been granted to the settlers Special Committee established under Gen­ in 1923, the Government of Southern Rhodesia had eral Assembly resolution 1654 (XVI) (con­ done practically nothing to prepare the people for tinued) self-government. Now a new Constitution was about to General debate (continued). . . . • ...... 221 be introduced in order to perpetuate white domination for centuries to come. The people of Southern Rho­ Chairman: Mr. Guillermo FLORES AVENDANO desia had shown great tolerance during the longyears of white minority rule, but no self-respecting people (Guatemala). would be content with fifteen seats in the legislatl}re to represent 3 million as against fifty seats for the 250,000 white settlers. Over the years the white In the absence of the Chairman, Mr. Nabavi (Iran), settler Parliament in Southern Rhodesia had enacted Vice-Chairman, took the Chair. many repressive laws which had turned the country into a police State in the heart of the peaceful African continent. The Africans in Southern Rhodesia were AGENDA ITEM 56 subjected to economic exploitation; their wages were Question of Southern Rhodesia: report of the Special Com­ kept below subsistence level and certain positions mittee established under General Assembly resolution were reserved for the Europeans alone. Racial dis­ crimination was practised in education, in housing and 1654 (XVI) (A/5238, chap. II; A/C.4/560, A/C.4/561, in access to public places. A pattern similar to that A/C.4/564, A/C.4/565, A/C.4/568, A/C.4/569) (~ of South Africa was slowly emerging in Southern tinued) Rhodesia. 4. The situation, though serious, was fortunately not GENERAL DEBATE (continued) yet out of control, but Algeria's example was there 1. Mr. EL A WAD (Sudan) recalled that by resolution for all to see. It was disturbing to note how little the 1747 (XVI) the General Assembly had endorsed the colonialists learned from experience. The only way finding of the Special Committee on the Situation with out of the present crisis in Southern Rhodesia was to regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on redress the legitimate grievances of the majority of the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries the people. The 1961 Constitution did not fulfil their and Peoples, established under General Assembly aspirations and should therefore be repealed. He ap­ resolution 1654 (XVI), that Southern Rhodesia was a pealed to the Government to convene Non-Self-Governing Territory within the meaning of a new constitutional conference, with the participation Chapter XI of the Charter. He regretted that the United of the African leaders of Southern Rhodesia. Kingdom Government had not hitherto responded to 5. His delegation would support any draft resolution that resolution. In the meantime the Southern Rhodesian which would promote the legitimate national aspira­ authorities had banned the African Peoples tions of the people of Southern Rhodesia. Union (ZAPU), which had been the spokesman for the majority of the people, and had detained Mr. Nkomo, 6. Mr. ISSA (Niger) welcomed the new members of its leader. He still hoped that the United Kingdom Gov­ the Committee whose countries had recently been ad­ ernment would reconsider its attitude and comply with mitted to the United Nations. It was particularly satis­ the provisions of General Assembly resolution 1755 factory to the Fourth Committee to include among its (XVII). members the representatives of Algeria, Rwanda, Burundi, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. 2. The situation in Southern Rhodesia, as could be seen from the statements and answers by the peti­ 7. It had now been proved beyond dispute that in tioners representing ZAPU, was indeed alarming: a accordance with the terms of Chapter XI of the Char­ small minority of European descent, not more than ter Southern Rhodesia was a Non-Self-Governing Ter­ 250,000 in number, controlled the lives and freedom ritory. The statements of virtually all representatives, of 3 million people and blocked their road to inde­ endorsing the conclusions of the Special Committee, pendence. It would be impossible for the Southern no longer left any doubt about the serious responsi­ Rhodesian Government or for its mouthpieces, the bility of the United Kingdom for solving the problem petitioners of the multiracial group, to convince the of Southern Rhodesia. In the face of such unanimity world that Southern Rhodesia's Africans lived a happy there was no justification for the attitude taken by life. In point of fact the five petitioners in question the United Kingdom. The Constitution of 6 December had demonstrated by the ingenious manner in which 1961 was an affront to human dignity and an insult to they had replied to the questions put to them that they the conscience of the world. It was regrettable that 221 A/C.4/SR.1363 222 General Assembly - Seventeenth Session - Fourth Committee the United Kingdom, one of the original signatories 13. His delegation had joined in sponsoring the draft to the Charter, should so disregard fundamental hu­ resolution which would shortly be submitted by the man rights. Nevertheless, there was still hope that African-Asian group and which he hoped would receive the United Kingdom would take vigorous steps in time the Committee's unreserved support. to bring to reason the white settlers, who would stop at nothing to preserve their privileges. 14. Mr. BINGHAM (United States of America) re­ called that at the 1116th plenary meeting of the Gen­ 8. His delegation had listened with great interest to eral Assembly, held during the resumed sixteenth the clear and objective statements made by the peti­ session, he had described his country's objectives tioners of the nationalist party. It had also listened with regard to the question of Southern Rhodesia as to the emissaries of Sir Edgar Whitehead, who had being a progressive liberalization of the franchise vainly endeavoured to confuse the issue. leading to universal adult suffrage at an early date, further and faster progress towards the elimination 9. There was no ready-made solution which would of racial discrimination, and peaceful and mutually apply to every problem. The problem of Southern beneficial relations between Southern Rhodesia and Rhodesia required an appropriate solution embodying its neighbours. His delegation was still being guided a minimum of justice and respect for human dignity. by those considerations. It had been repeatedly asserted both in the Fourth Committee and elsewhere that the new Constitution 15. Having listened to the petitioners representing was a great step towards the democratization of the the Zimbabwe African Peoples Union (ZAPU) and the political, social and economic structure of Southern multiracial group, his delegation had come to the Rhodesia. Unfortunately nothing of the kind was to be conclusion that the overriding need in Southern Rho­ found in the text. Needless to say, the Constitution desia was for mutual confidence between the various could not be revised until there was an African ma­ communities and parties. jority in the Legislative Assembly. In view of the 16. The European community seemed desperately to present composition of that Assembly, the most opti­ need confidence that the Africans would recognize the mistic could hardly anticipate that there would be an mutual interdependence of the various communities African majority for several centuries. in the country and would not attempt, when they ob­ tained the majority in Parliament, to drive out the 10. Sir Edgar Whitehead and his accomplice were Europeans or to subject them to the type of discrimi­ using the most flimsy excuses to suppress the attempts natory treatment which they themselves had suffered of the African inhabitants to obtain their rights. How in the past. Having listened to the representatives of could ZA PU encourage the Africans to take violent ZA PU, he had gathered the impression that they recog­ action when they had been entirely disarmed? How nized those realities; such recognition provided the could they attack buildings when the police kept con­ soil in which the seeds of trust could grow. stant watch over them?· The police of Southern Rho­ desia were faced not with material violence, which 17. On the part of the African leadership there was could easily be suppressed, but with a formidable an equally great need for confidence that the white moral violence, before which the most intransigent minority now in power would not attemnt to cling to its imperialists had been forced to give way. However position and privileges. While the expressed personal that might be, the Rhodesian Government was deter­ readiness of the petitioner, Mr. A. D. Butler, to see mined to crush the opposition, with the support of an African majority in the Southern Rhodesian legis­ the famour "unholy alliance" based on the immense lature within two years provided grounds for such monopolist consortium from which certain Govern­ confidence if it was representative of majority opinion ments derived their strength. in the European community, it was unfortunately clear from statements by ZAPU leaders that they did not 11. Sir Edgar Whitehead had introduced severe trust the white minority. The tragedy of the situation measures prohibiting the establishment of any new was that the authorities in Southern Rhodesia. had done African party whose programmes included certain nothing, or practically nothing, to instil such con­ claims made by ZAPU, in particular the campaignfor fidence, but on the contrary had increased the severity universal suffrage. That uncompromising attitude of the already severe security laws, had banned ZAPU would inevitably lead to tragedy. The history of colo­ and had restricted many of its leaders. nialism was full of lessons from which certain retro­ grade countries might benefit. The history of the 18. The representatives of ZAPU had voiced the fear Algerian revolution in particular was full of warnings that once the 1961 Constitution was in effect the white both for those who wished to oppress others and for minority would assume all power and declare Southern those who wished to be free. Rhodesia 1 s independence from the United Kingdom, with the ultimate intention of depriving the Africans 12. The march of history was irreversible, as the of even the rights granted to them under that Consti­ United Kingdom should know. There was still time tution. He did not think that that fear was based on to bring the settlers to reason and to take steps to substantial evidence. Economic considerations alone liberate the nationalist leaders and abrogate the militated strongly against any such reckless action. restrictive laws based on racialism. A further con­ Furthermore, it was inconceivable to his delegation stitutional conference should be convened in order that the United Kingdom Government would allow such to reach a compromise solution guaranteeing the a development, which would be contrary to its record interests of both parties. His delegation appealed to of establishing representative government in the terri­ the United Kingdom, with its ancient traditions of tories under its administration before granting them freedom and dignity, to prevent a conflict which might independence. In that connexion he welcomed the involve the whole of Africa and even the whole world. assurance the United Kingdom representative had His delegation was convinced that whatever the course given the Committee at the 1360th meeting that the of events might be the voice of reason would triumph United Kingdom Government had reached no decision in the end. and that no circumstances had arisen that could give 1363rd meeting - 26 October 1962 223 rise to any further changes in the constitutional rela­ effective ruin of Southern Rhodesia and the possibility tionship between the United Kingdom and Southern of a wider conflagration. Rhodesia, and that no changes could come about through unilateral action. The very fact that the United Kingdom 22. The Europeans should recognize that if they tried representative had so emphatically denied any claim to hold on to their powers and privileges indefinitely, that Southern Rhodesia was either sovereign or inde­ they would inevitably lose all in the end. Hence, even pendent was also an indication of recognition by his from a strictly self-interested point of view, they were Government of ultimate responsibility for Southern bound to agree to peaceful changes provided they were Rhodesia which would not be terminated by the 1961 confident that they would receive fair treatment and Constitution. that the importance of the role that they could and should play in Southern Rhodesia was recognized. He 19. The African leaders also appeared to fear that, hoped that ZAPU's leaders would be able to credit even if the Southern Rhodesian Government did not the Europeans with that much common sense. sever all its ties with the United Kingdom, the Euro­ 23. Whereas the conclusion that violence was inevit­ pean community in the Territory would manceuvre able was at present unjustified, it could become the under the 1961 Constitution to prevent any extension correct conclusion if it came to be so widely believed of the franchise and to block the possibility of an even­ that the policies and actions of the African nationalists tual African majority. While he did not think that that were dictated by it. A ZAPU policy dictated by a con­ fear was well founded, he regretted that the European viction that its aim could be achieved only by force community had not made adequate attempts to dissi­ and violence might well make conciliation and negotia­ pate it. It was true that Sir Edgar Whitehead had stated tion impossible. The consequences of such an outcome that an African majority was inevitable under the 1961 would be disastrous, and Southern Rhodesia's social, Constitution even if the franchise was not enlarged, educational, economic and political development would and a period of ten to fifteen years had been mentioned. be set back by untold decades. It was alsotruethatMr.A.D.Butler, who was a mem­ ber of the , had said that he would 24. It seemed that the time had come for some third favour an extension of the franchise so as to bring party to help the various groups in Southern Rhodesia about an African majority within two years, but he had to allay the deepening fears and mistrusts and pave not been speaking for his party and there was as yet the way to mutual confidence. As each side learned no evidence that the latter would work for an extension to know and understand the other better, all would of the franchise. come increasingly to recognize that their common interests were truly compelling. The United Kingdom 20. It would also be recognized that many knowledge­ Government was the natural agency to play the role able people felt that an estimate of ten to fifteen years of a conciliator and he hoped that it would undertake for the time required for the Africans to obtain a ma­ to do so. In that connexion he had been encouraged jority in the legislature was far toq optimistic, unless by the United Kingdom representative's statement at the franchise was extended. The simple fact was that the 1360th meeting that his Government was ready to in the world of today the pace of advance contemplated help in the restoration of a political climate favourable in the 1961 Constitution appeared too slow. It was not for liberal and orderly constitutional development. realistic to expect the Africans to wait until enough of them qualified for the franchise on the basis of 25. The chances of success could be immeasurably anachronistic educational and property qualifications improved if the Southern Rhodesian Government, act­ such as had become obsolete in the Western world ing together with the Government of the United King­ over a hundred years earlier. dom, made a new effort to ascertain whether all the groups concerned might not be persuaded to agree to 21. It was unfortunate that recent trends in Southern a different form of constitution acceptable to all ele­ Rhodesia had been away from the mutual confidence ments of the population, at least as an interim meas­ which the country needed so much. It was not easy ure. He was confident that if such a course of action to apportion the blame for that deterioration, for while was announced, the incidents of violence and intimida­ the Europeans' fears of African extremism and irre­ tion would cease and the ban on ZA PU and the restric­ sponsibility had been fanned by incidents of violence tions placed on its leaders could safely be lifted. He and lawlessness and by statements by some African was also struck by the opinion widely held in many nationalists, the Africans for their part had had their responsible quarters that elections held under the fears concerning the real intentions of the white mi­ 1961 Constitution would only intensify the difficulties. nority strengthened by the banning of ZA PU, the re­ 26. He agreed with the United Kingdom representative strictions placed on its leaders and the stringent that the Committee should be careful to avoid pro­ amendments to the Unlawful Organizations Act and posals which might embitter relationships in Southern the Law and Order (Maintenance) Act. It was perhaps Rhodesia. Nor should it seek to force an arbitrary and natural for each side to blame the other. In the mean­ hasty attempt at a solution to Southern Rhodesia's time a vicious circle of repression and violent reaction problems. had been set in motion. The grave danger was that at some point that movement would become irreversible. 2 7. His delegation would be prepared to support a A sign that the point of no return in the tragic march resolution urging the United Kingdom Government to towards conflict might be approaching was that an continue to use its special influence towards the pro­ increasing number of ZAPU spokesmen appeared to gressive liberalization of the franchise and the elimi­ have become convinced that the European community nation of racial discrimination, and appealing to all in Southern Rhodesia would never give up its position concerned-the United Kingdom Government, the Gov­ of power and privilege unless it was compelled to do ernment of Southern Rhodesia, the leaders of the polit­ so by force. It seemed unrealistic to expect the United ical parties and the people of the Territory-to eschew Kingdom Government to apply such force, and if it force, violence and intimidation and to devote their was applied by the Africans themselves the result of best efforts to ensuring a rapid, peaceful and orderly the ensuing long and bloody struggle would be the achievement of a political future for Southern Rhodesia 224 General Assembly - Seventeenth Session - Fourth Committee in which all elements of the population would play a was calm and did not warrant a hasty attempt by the full and free role. United Nations to find a solution. Mr. Allouni felt sure that the United Kingdom delegation must be aware that 28. Mr. ALLOUNI (Syria) said that his delegation's that allegation was disputed by a large section of the views with regard to the question of Southern Rhodesia population of the United Kingdom itself. Moreover, had been amply explained at the resumed sixteenth Mr. , a former Prime Minister of session of the General Assembly and in the Special Southern Rhodesia, had told the Special Committee Committee established under General Assembly reso­ that in his opinion the withdrawal of British influence lution 1654 (XVI). It held that the claim made by the from the affairs of Southern Rhodesia at the present United Kingdom representative that Southern Rhodesia critical stage would turn that country into a scene of enjoyed self-governing status had not withstood the tragic happenings. The attitude taken by the United thorough examination made by many representatives Kingdom Government virtually authorized the white in the Fourth Committee and by the Special Committee. settlers to continue their repressive measures and It rejected the view that the status of a colonial' terri­ would undoubtedly make their approach to the question tory could be determined unilaterally by the adminis­ more uncompromising. It had been said that the indige­ tering Power: General Assembly resolutions 742 (VIII) nous inhabitants of Southern Rhodesia preferred to and 1541 (XV) were very clear in that respect. More­ trust the British in the United Kingdom rather than over, since Southern Rhodesia had been joined in a those settled in the Territory; now the United Kingdom federation with two other Territories whose non-self­ had betrayed their hopes. governing status was not in doubt, it was logical to discuss Southern Rhodesia within the concept of the 34. The United Kingdom representative had tried to federal structure. convince the Committee that the 1961 Constitution 29. All the available information indicated that the had many liberal features, but it was hard to argue African population of Southern Rhodesia was deprived convincingly in favour of a Constitution that gave fifteen seats to nearly 4 million people and fifty seats of the most elementary political and human rights and was economically completely dominated by the white to 200,000 white settlers. Members of the Committee could not have failed to notice that in defending the settlers. new Constitution the United Kingdom representative 30. While his delegation was aware that the circum­ had fallen into line with the declared police of Sir stances governing constitutional changes varied in Edgar Whitehead. different territories, the cases of British Guiana and Malta clearly demonstrated that, when local circum­ 35. His delegation welcomed the statement by the stances made it necessary for the United Kingdom to United Kingdom representative that his Government take action, it was not reluctant to do so. His dele­ was anxious to see a political climate favourable to gation firmly believed that there were even more liberal and orderly constitutional development re­ valid reasons for changing or revoking the Constitu­ established in Southern Rhodesia, but it would point tion given to Southern Rhodesia. His delegation had out that no system of government would strike deep come to the conclusion, through its contacts with roots and endure unless it had the full support of the many African leaders from Southern Rhodesia, that citizens. The Africans must therefore be assured the overwhelming majority of the African inhabitants beyond any possibility of doubt that the Territory of the Territory were absolutely opposed to the 1961 would be free to opt out of or to remain in any political Constitution, which certainly would not be workable structure such as the Federation of Rhodesian and without their support. Nyasaland when they came to enjoy representative government and could choose for themselves. 31. Irrespective of the legal argument, Southern Rhodesia presented a grave human situation. It would 36. His delegation would support any resolution that be in the interests not only of the African population called for a new constitutional conference for the pur­ but of the white settlers that the situation should pose of abrogating all the discriminatory provisions change. of the 1961 Constitution; requested all the responsible 32. A constitutional conference should be convened authorities, and in particular the United Kingdom Gov­ immediately, for the purpose of formulating a consti­ ernment, to ensure that no Federal or local elections tution that was acceptable to all the Africans, based were held in the Territory under the existing electoral upon the principle of universal suffrage. For the sake laws, that new elections to the Legislative Assembly of peace and security in the Territory, immediate would be organized on the principle of "one man, one steps should be taken to restore all rights to the vote" without distinction of creed, colour, race, income African population and to grant amnesty to the political or educational standards and that all African political prisoners. organizations and parties would be able to enjoy demo­ cratic freedom; and called once again for the release 33. After listening to the statements by other repre­ of all political and national leaders. His delegation sentatives and by the petitioners and to the speech would also support the suggestion made by the dele­ made at the 1360th meeting by the United Kingdom gations of Brazil and Pakistan that the Acting Secre­ representative, who was his country's Minister of tary-General or another qualified person should use State for Foreign Affairs, the Syrian delegation still his good offices to bring about a happy solution of the considered that the harmonious political evolution of problem of Southern Rhodesia. Southern Rhodesia was hampered by the short-sighted­ ness of the white settlers and by the contention of the 37. Mr. GRINBERG (Bulgaria) said that the question United Kingdom Government that it had not power to of Southern Rhodesia was one of the most complicated change matters. The Syrian delegation had hoped that that had arisen in the field of decolonization. For the the United Kingdom representative would inform the United Nations, there could be no doubt that the provi­ Committee that his Government was eager and willing sions of the Declaration on the granting of independence to ease the situation in Southern Rhodesia, instead of to colonial countries and peoples (General Assembly which he had maintained the view that the situation resolution 1514 (XV)) should and must be applied in 1363rd meeting - 26 October 1962 225 Southern Rhodesia. There were, however, powerful been able to show that the franchise provisions of the forces working in the opposite direction. 1961 Constitution were in the interests of the Africans. 38. In his delegation's view, the main responsibility The General Assembly's appeal for the abandonment for the situation lay with the United Kingdom, without of that Constitution had gone unheeded and elections whose support the white settlers would be unable to under it had been scheduled for December 1962. Fur­ hold out long against the demands of the Africans. thermore, the United Kingdom had granted Sir Edgar United Kingdom representatives in the Committee had Whitehead's Government a new loan, which would be maintained that Southern Rhodesia was self-governing. used in part for financing the forces of repression. That position had been rejected by the General As­ The statement made by the United Kingdom represen­ sembly in resolution 1747 (XVI), in which it had also tative at the 1360th meeting had contained nothing new. called for the convening of a constitutional conference Not only had no criticism been expressed of the actions designed to lead to a new constitution based on the of the settlers, but not even a word of sympathy had principle "one man, one vote". Instead of heeding that been offered for the aspirations of the people of appeal, the United Kingdom Government had continued Southern Rhodesia for independence. its existing policies, which had culminated in such 42. The General Assembly should tell the people of repressive measures as the banning of ZAPU and the Southern Rhodesia that world public opinion was behind arrest of its leaders. them and should encourage them to continue their 39. It had become clear from the testimony of peti­ struggle. The white settlers should be called upon to tioners and from information from other sources that see reason and to abandon their suicidal racialist United Kingdom policy in Southern Rhodesia was guided policies. The United Kingdom should be told that it to a large extent by the interests of certain monopolies, would bear the main responsibility for the situation many of whose principal shareholders had close links until it took action to promote the interests of the with the United Kingdom Government. For example, Southern Rhodesian people. The Governments which the British South Africa Company, which had been were assisting the Southern Rhodesian authorities called the evil genius of Southern Rhodesia, included with money and arms should be called upon to stop among its directors such men as Lord Salisbury and doing so. The Assembly should reiterate in stronger Lord Malvern. The immense profits which such com­ terms its request for the adoption of the measures panies were able to make had encouraged the formation set out in resolution 1747 (XVI) and should call for of the notorious "unholy alliance", the purpose of which the cancellation of the elections scheduled for Decem­ was to draw a kind of Mason and Dixon Line across ber. In view of the explosive nature of the situation, Africa and to maintain white domination south of that the question of Southern Rhodesia should be kept on line, both in order to protect the privileges of Euro­ the Assembly's agenda until the end of the session and peans there and to enable constant pressure to be the Special Committee established under resolution brought to bear on other African countries. In that 1654 (XVI) should be authorized to ask for a resump­ endeavour the "alliance" was armed with tanks, planes tion of the seventeenth session should that prove and napalm bombs supplied by the United Kingdom, necessary. If it was decided that a United Nations the United States and other Powers of the North mission should be sent to the Territory, such a mis­ Atlantic Treaty Organization. sion should be composed of representatives of African countries, whose election could be left to the Special 40. Some delegations, without directly questioning Committee. the legal and moral responsibility of the United King­ dom for events in Southern Rhodesia, had tried to 43. Mr. RAMIN (Israel) recalled that, during the suggest that the United Kingdom was physically unable resumed sixteenth session of the General Assembly, to alter the situation in the Territory. It was hard, his delegation had voted in favour of resolution 174 7 however, to take seriously the suggestion that 200,000 (XVI), which called for the convening of a constitutional Southern Rhodesian settlers could resist the might of conference with representatives from all Southern the United Kingdom. In his view, the question was Rhodesian political parties and for the restoration of whether the United Kingdom really wished to change all right to the non-European population. It had done the situation. Since 1888, when the history of colo­ so in the hope that such measures would enable the nialism in Southern Rhodesia had begun, the interests Territory to proceed towards independence in an of the indigenous population had never been taken orderly manner. Instead, during recent months there into account. In 1923 a mock referendum among the had been a deterioration in the situation, culminating settlers had led to the Territory's acquiring its so­ in the banning of ZAPU and the arrest or exile of its called self-governing status; while in 1953, again leadership. The Committee had rightly granted priority without consultation of the indigenous population, the to the grave problem of Southern Rhodesia, and the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland had been created General Assembly had already adopted a resolution for the purpose of consolidated the positions of the (1755 (XVII)) calling for the immediate release of the Europeans. During four decades, the United Kingdom leaders of ZA PU and the lifting of the ban on the party. had never exercised its right to veto any of the dis­ The Israel delegation sincerely hoped that action criminatory laws which had been adopted in the Terri­ towards that end would be taken in the near future. tory; indeed, it had emerged from the testimony of Mr. Garfield Todd, a former Prime Minister of 44. After listening to the various petitioners who had appeared before the Committee, his delegation re­ Southern Rhodesia, before the Special Committee that all Bills submitted to the Southern Rhodesian Parlia­ mained convinced that a solution to the problem de­ ment were previously discussed with and approved by pended to a large extent on the finding of a new formula a representative of the United Kingdom Government. for relations between the races in the Territory. As his delegation had stated in the Committee during the 41. It had been argued that the United Kingdom should sixteenth session (1304th meeting) it regarded all not be called to account for the actions of its previous forms of racial discrimination as abominable and Governments, but the fact was that the United King­ could not condone the denial of political, economic dom's attitude had remained unchanged. No one had and social equality to the African inhabitants of 226 General Assembly - Seventeenth Session - Fourth Committee Southern Rhodesia. Any attempt to justify the present matter and it realized that the United Kingdom's system in Southern Rhodesia, as had been done by powers in Southern Rhodesian affairs were not alto­ some petitioners of the so-c-alled multiracial group, gether clear. It did not consider, however, that a was totally unacceptable. limited transfer of power to the settlers in 1923 had divested the United Kingdom of responsibility for the 45. One of the central issues at the present time situation in the Territory. Southern Rhodesia was not concerned the 1961 Constitution. It had been argued yet a fully independent State; it was still linked in a that that Constitution might represent the first step Federation with two other Territories governed by the in a process leading to full equality. '}.'h.ile the Israel United Kingdom, whose political and economic influ­ delegation was in favour of orderly processes, it could ence must still be considerable. It did not seem un­ understand the misgivings of the Africans regarding a reasonable to ask for a fresh effort to be made to constitution in which the franchise was weighted by convene a new constitutional conference aimed at a educational and property qualifications in such a way true widening of the franchise. that few Africans would qualify for the vote and that fifty out of sixty-five seats in the legislature would go 47. The Israel delegation's attitude toanydraftreso­ to the white minority. lution which might be submitted would be guided by the considerations he had outlined. 46. His delegation was not unmindful of the difficul­ ties with which the United Kingdom was faced in the The meeting rose at 5.20 p.m.

Litho in U.N. 77401-August 1963-2,475