HSC 73:

The Historical Security Council of 1973 began their deliberations last night addressing the Situation in Southern Rhodesia. The Council has acted quickly to bring in Zambia as a party to the dispute in response to the allegations of subversion and sabotage. 

Upon arrival, the Council asked the Representative A. of Zambia for what actions they would like to see. In response, Zambia requested the removal of South African troops in Southern Rhodesia and wished for aid for their economy. 

The Representative of Zambia was quick to put blame on the United Kingdom for their involvement in the conflict, stating, “Britain is either saying they are too weak to deal with a handful of colonists, or they aren’t serious about supporting majority rule and opposing Rhodesia.” 

In response, Representative Kolton Snider of the United Kingdom believes that if they were to intervene, it would go against the mandate of decolonization. Representative Snider said, “If we [United Kingdom] were to send in troops, it would end in one of two ways: like World War II or the Vietnam War. The Vietnam War has shown that even if troops are sent in, the guerrillas would still fight.” 

After Representative A.’s statement,, representatives of Australia, Indonesia, United States and Yugoslavia began working on a plan to extend protected rail access within the region. 

In order to hear from both sides of the conflict, the Council also brought in a representative of Southern Rhodesia. There was some debate over whether this action would legitimize the illegal regime, but the body voted in favor. 

The international community was outraged by the Security Council’s decision to bring in this representative. Once they arrived, Representative Abigail Vander Vilet of Southern Rhodesia immediately thanked the body for recognizing their State. 

In response to the allegations of violence in the region, Representative Vilet stated that they [Southern Rhodesia] are not promoting a civil war, but promoting peace. When answering questions, the Representatives from the United Kingdom felt that Southern Rhodesia was acting contrary to the situation reports in the region. “The Black population is perfectly happy,” said Representative Vilet in response to the allegations.

The Council is deliberating what the next steps are in resolving this crisis.