adminThe Rhodesia Herald, December 11, 1965
BRUSSELS. – The Belgian and Netherlands Government tonight officially banned all sugar and tobacco imports from Rhodesia and prohibited exports from Belgium to Rhodesia of all oil products, arms and munitions, according to a Belgian Foreign Ministry communique.
At The Hague, it was announced that as from today all trade between Holland and Rhodesia would be subject to licences. A spokesman for the Dutch Foreign Ministry said purchases of tobacco would be discontinued, and Holland’s Benelux partners, Belgium and Luxembourg, were being consulted regarding trade in the commodities.
No licences would be granted for the export of arms, ammunition, war material and oil products to Rhodesia, the spokesman said.
The Brussels stated: communique: “In conformity with the United Nations resolutions on trade with Rhodesia, the Belgian Government, after consultations with its Benelux partners, has decided:
1. “To introduce an import and export licensing system for all commercial operations between Belgium and Rhodesia.
2. “To refuse access to Belgium for Rhodesian sugar and tobacco.
3. “To instruct representatives of the Belgian export credit guarantee institute not to provide export credit cover for commercial operations with Rhodesia.” — Iana-Reuter.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
In response to Smith’s UDI, various countries, imposed sanctions against Rhodesia to pressure its government towards recognising black majority rule.
The United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 232 in December 1966, which called for member states to impose economic sanctions against Rhodesia.
The UNSC declared that all member states should prevent the importation of asbestos, iron ore, chrome, pig iron, sugar, tobacco, copper, or animal products originating from Rhodesia.
The Belgian and Netherlands governments’ decision to ban imports from Rhodesia was part of a larger framework of international sanctions aimed at promoting political change in line with global anti-colonial sentiments during that era.
The punitive measures were part of a coordinated effort among Western nations to support decolonisation processes across Africa while opposing apartheid-like policies.
The impact of these sanctions was significant. They contributed to economic difficulties within Rhodesia, exacerbating tensions between different racial groups within the country.
Online Reporter