United Nations Security Council Resolution 183

by the United Nations

Adopted by the Security Council at its 1083rd meeting, by 10 votes to none, with 1 abstention (France), on 11 December 1963

The Security Council,

Having considered the Secretary-General's report as contained in documents S/5448 and addenda,

Recalling General Assembly resolution 1541 (XV) of 15 December 1960,

Recalling further Security Council resolution 180 (1963) of 31 July 1963,

Noting with appreciation the efforts of the Secretary-General in establishing contact between representatives of Portugal and representatives of African States,

1. Regrets that this contact has not achieved the desired results, because of failure to reach agreement on the United Nations interpretation of self-determination;

2. Calls upon all States to comply with paragraph 6 of resolution 180 (1963);

3. Deprecates the non-compliance of the Government of Portugal with resolution 180 (1963);

4. Reaffirms the interpretation of self-determination laid down in General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) as follows:

"All peoples have the right to self-determination; by virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development";

5. Notes General Assembly resolution 1542 (XV) of 15 December 1960, which enumerated inter alia, Territories under Portuguese administration as falling in the category of Non-Self-Governing Territories within the meaning of Chapter XI of the Charter of the United Nations;

6. Believes that action by the Government of Portugal to grant amnesty to all persons imprisoned or exiled for advocating self-determination in these Territories will be an evidence of its good faith;

7. Requests the Secretary-General to continue his efforts and report to the Security Council not later than 1 June 1964.