asked the Minister for External Affairs whether any indication at any time has been conveyed to the Security Council on the policy of the Government on the specific question of the desirability of imposing economic sanctions on the South African Government to end its discriminatory behaviour towards the majority of South African citizens; and, if so, what is the policy.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Government Policy on South African Apartheid.
41.
Our views on apartheid have been frequently stated in the General Assembly and in the Committees of the United Nations and are well known to all the members of the Security Council. We responded affirmatively to Security Council resolutions calling for the prohibition of the exports of armaments and equipment for their manufacture to South Africa.
So far as I am aware, I do not think the Government have made clear their policy in relation to the current proposals for the imposition of economic sanctions sponsored largely by the African countries. Have we put any views forward on that matter?
No decision has been taken by the Security Council on this matter.
I am aware of that. Have we given any indication whether or not we would favour it?
We have not considered it yet. If a resolution is passed by the Security Council, we will have to consider it but, in advance of seeing the terms of the resolution, as passed, we will take no decision.