A.Z SUPPORTS U.N. RHODESIA BAN

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31771, 30 August 1968, Page 20

A.Z SUPPORTS U.N. RHODESIA BAN

(N.Z. Press Association)

WELLINGTON, August 29.

New Zealand will support the United Nations Security Council call for a complete ban on trade with Rhodesia and other measures set out in the council’s resolution in May this year. This was announced today by the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake).

“While the Government retains its misgivings about the wisdom and value of pressing a policy of sanctions too far, it has been recognised that in the light of New Zealand’s continued firm opposition to

the use of force against Rhodesia the application of comprehensive sanctions offers at this stage virtually the only alternative course,” he said. Mr Holyoake said the action required to carry out the Security Council’s resolution would amount largely to an extension of the measures al ready in force.

The Prime Minister reiter ated that it was the Govern ment’s firm belief that a lasting settlement of the Rhodes ian problem could be brought about only by negotiation. “It is not easy to see in pre sent circumstances any hope ful basis for the early resump tion of negotiations between the British Government and Mr Smith's Administration,” he said.

Mr Holyoake said United Nations members were obliged under the provision of the charter to carry out a man

datory Security Council re solution.

“As a loyal United Nations member and consistent with our past policy of supporting the United Kingdom’s efforts to achieve a peaceful settlement of the difficult Rhodesian situation, New Zealand will give effect to the complete ban on trade and other measures set out in the Council’s resolution on May 29, 1968,” said Mr Holyoake.