United Nations Security Council Resolution 218

by the United Nations

Adopted by the Security Council at its 1268th meeting, by 7 votes to none, with 4 abstentions (France, Netherlands, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America) on 23 November 1965

The Security Council,

Having examined the question of the situation in the Territories under Portuguese administration submitted by thirty-two African States,

Recalling its resolutions 180 (1963) of 31 July and 183 (1963) of 11 December 1963,

Noting with deep concern the continued refusal of Portugal to take the necessary steps to implement the aforementioned resolutions of the Security Council,

Considering that, in spite of the measures laid down by the Security Council in paragraph 5 of resolution 180 (1963), the Government of Portugal is intensifying its measures of repression and its military operations against the African population with a view to defeating their legitimate hopes of achieving self-determination and independence,

Convinced that the implementation of the pertinent resolutions of the Security Council and the General Assembly, and in particular Council resolutions 180 (1963) and 183 (1963), is the only means to achieve a peaceful solution of the question of Portuguese Territories in accordance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations,

Recalling General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960,

1. Affirms that the situation resulting from the policies of Portugal both as regards the African population of its colonies and the neighbouring States seriously disturbs international peace and security;

2. Deplores the failure of the Government of Portugal to comply with previous resolutions of the Security Council and the General Assembly and to recognize the right of the peoples under its administration to self-determination and independence;

3. Reaffirms the interpretation of the principle of self-determination as laid down in General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) and in Security Council resolution 183 (1963);

4. Calls upon Portugal to give immediate effect in the Territories under its administration to the principle of self-determination as referred to in paragraph 3 above;

5. Reaffirms its urgent demand to Portugal for:

(a) The immediate recognition of the right of the peoples of the Territories under its administration to self-determination and independence;

(b) The immediate cessation of all acts of repression and the withdrawal of all military and other forces at present employed for that purpose;

(c) The promulgation of an unconditional political amnesty and the establishment of conditions that will allow the free functioning of political parties;

(d) Negotiations, on the basis of the recognition of the right to self-determination, with the authorized representatives of the political parties within and outside the Territories with a view to the transfer of power to political institutions freely elected and representative of the peoples, in accordance with General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV);

(e) The granting of independence immediately there-after to all the Territories under its administration in accordance with the aspirations of the peoples;

6. Requests all States to refrain forthwith from offering the Portuguese Government any assistance which would enable it to continue its repression of the people of the Territories under its administration; and to take all the necessary measures to prevent the sale and supply of arms and military equipment to the Portuguese Government for this purpose, including the sale and shipment of equipment and materials for the manufacture and maintenance of arms and ammunition to be used in the Territories under Portuguese administration;

7. Requests all States to inform the Secretary-General on whatever measures are undertaken towards implementation of paragraph 6 of the present resolution;

8. Requests the Secretary-General to ensure the implementation of the provisions of the present resolution, to provide such assistance as he may deem necessary and to report to the Security councils not later than 30 June 1966.