1.
SCU Ghanaian Army commander Major-General N.A. Odartey-Wellington addressing United Nations General Assembly.
1.26


ODARTEY-WELLINGTON: "The Government of Ghana has had occasion in the past to express its concern and displeasure over British ... by some British firms of the United Nations (indistinct) for breaking sanctions imposed on Rhodesia. Once again British firms, according to world-wide press reports, have admitted responsibility for deliberate assistance to the regime of Rhodesia which is, by common consent, not only illegal, but also blatantly racist and brutally oppressive. Ghana again deplores this flagrant connivance and hopes that the British government will ensure that no British firms ever again support racism and the repression of African peoples through such acts as the British Petroleum and Shell companies have been accused of. Mr. President, it is regrettable that, as we debate this question of Zimbabwe, Mr. Ian Smith is in United States. The government of Ghana hopes that his visit will not lead to a breach of the sanctions imposed by the Security Council."



The Security Council resolution was adopted by 11 votes to none, with the United States, Britain, Canada and West Germany abstaining. France was only Western member which voted to censure the United States.




Initials PM/01.55


TELERECORDING

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: In New York The United Nations Security Council issued a statement on Tuesday (10 October) condemning the United States for admitting Rhodesian leader, Ian Smith, into the country. At the General Assembly, on Monday (9 October) Ghanaian Army commander, Major-General N.A. Odartey-Wellington, said it was "regrettable" that Mr. Smith was in Washington. General Odarty-Wellington, who is a member of Ghana's Supreme Military Council, also criticized British companies that had broken sanctions against Rhodesia.