Security Council expected to reject African force demand

The Rhodesian Herald, 23 May 1966

THE Security Council is expected to conclude its meetings on Rhodesia tomorrow by rejecting African demands for British military intervention to overthrow the Rhodesian Government.

But much will depend on the outcome of informal talks among the 10 elected members of the council which are due to precede the public session.

These talks will be aimed at finding a middle course between African calls for drastic measures against Rhodesia and British appeals to do nothing, while Rhodesia and British officials are still engaged in exploratory talks.

The most likely compromise would be based on an Argentinian suggestion that the Council avoid hasty action by agreeing to take decisive steps within a certain period of time.

If this is unacceptable, then the Africa originally requested the Council meeting — may insist on a vote on their own proposals, although these stand no chance of obtaining the necessary nine votes for adoption.

Alternatively, the Council may agree to shelve the Rhodesian problem for a time, while leaving the various suggestions ready for future consideration.

LESSONS FOR TODAY

◆ Africa went to the Security Council with one voice, demanding British involvement to use drastic measures to overthrow the Rhodesian Government which had declared Unilateral Declaration of Independence in November, 1965.

◆ The Africans emerged from the Security Council much stronger than before.

◆ The Africans were defeated because of the British unwillingness to support the resolution. ◆ The voting pattern clearly showed that the United States and its allies backed the racist regime in Rhodesia.

◆ There have been calls to reform the United Nations Secretary Council and General Assembly in order to cater for the governance realities of developing countries most of whom were colonies of European countries when the global body was formed.