To Support Sanctions?

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31239, 10 December 1966, Page 16

To Support Sanctions?

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, December 9. New Zealand is expected to vote in favour of compulsory United Nations sanctions against the illegal Government in Rhodesia when the United Nations Security Council votes on the issue, according to the N.Z.P.A. Parliamentary reporter. The Government has already instructed New Zealand’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Mr F. Comer, which way to vote.

Government officials expect some public opposition in New Zealand if New Zealand votes in favour of compulsory United Nations sanctions because they recognise that there is considerable sympathy for the Smith government. The principal reason for this sympathy is the presentation by Mr lan Smith of a moderate image. Some New Zealanders see Rhodesia as a quietly-behaved under-dog in its independence fight with Britain. However, national feeling will take second place to the promotion of New Zealand’s wider interests overseas—particularly in its relations with Britain. New Zealand’s chances of winning special consideration

when Britain joins the European Economic Community would hardly be improved if she voted or abstained from voting in the United Nations Security Council. To date, New Zealand has also pursued/ a resolute line in its dealings with Rhodesia by imposing her own economic sanctions against the rebel government. Although New Zealand has consistently opposed the use of force to over-throw the Smith regime, it has strongly supported the twin concepts of majority rule and racial equality.