GA/AP/774, 15 December 1977
The Chairman of the Special Committee against Apartheid, Leslie O. Harriman (Nigeria) today issued the following statement:
In the resolution on "military and nuclear collaboration with South Africa" adopted yesterday, the General Assembly called for the effective implementation and extension of the mandatory arms embargo instituted by the Security Council in resolution 418 of 4 November 1977. It authorized the Special Committee against Apartheid to follow and publicize all developments concerning military and nuclear collaboration with the racist regime of South Africa, report any violations of resolution 418 to the Security Council and encourage campaigns to promote a total cessation of military and nuclear collaboration with the racist regime.
The Special Committee has constantly stressed the vital importance of an arms embargo against the Pretoria regime. That regime has built up an enormous military arsenal in order to suppress the legitimate struggle of the oppressed people, to threaten and attack independent African States which support the national liberation movement, and to entice Western Powers into an alliance to preserve the status quo. The mandatory arms embargo is the result of a long struggle by the national liberation movement and its friends. It cannot be allowed to fail.
The Special Committee undertakes to do all in its power to secure the full implementation of the embargo and its extension to cover all co-operation with the apartheid regime in the military and nuclear fields.
Towards this end, I appeal for the co-operation of all organizations and individuals committed to freedom and human equality. I invite them in particular to inform the Special Committee of any breaches or planned breaches of the embargo by governmental agencies, corporations and institutions. I address a special appeal to trade unionists in Western countries to lend their co-operation to the Special Committee and take all appropriate action in support of the embargo.
I would draw their attention to the specific provisions of the General Assembly resolution which call upon all Governments to implement the arms embargo "irrespective of any existing contracts and licences already issued and to ensure that all corporations, organizations and individuals within their jurisdiction abide by its provisions". The Assembly called on all governments:
(a) To refrain from any supply of arms, ammunition, military equipment or vehicles, or spare parts thereof, to South Africa, without any exceptions;
(b) To ensure that such supplies do not reach South Africa through other countries;
(c) To refrain from importing any military equipment or supplies manufactured by, or in collaboration with, South Africa;
(d) To cease any exchange of military, naval or air attaches with South Africa;
(e) To terminate any form of military co-operation with South Africa;
(f) To revoke all licenses and terminate all technical assistance for the manufacture of military equipment and supplies in South Africa;
(g) To end all transfer of nuclear equipment or fissionable material or technology to South Africa;
(h) To prohibit companies, institutions or agencies within their jurisdiction from any co-operation with South Africa directly or through participation in companies registered in South Africa, in its military build-up or nuclear development;
(i) To prevent their nationals from working in South Africa in establishments producing supplies for military and police forces, or engaged in nuclear development;
(j) To deny visas to South African military and police personnel and persons engaged in nuclear research and development.
Any relevant information on violations of the embargo may be addressed to:
The Chairman
Special Committee against Apartheid
United Nations
New York, New York 10017
United States of America