Resolution 218 (1965)
of 23 November 1965
The Security Council,
Having examined the question of the situation in the Territories under Portuguese administration submitted
by thirty-two African States,
Recalling its resolutions 180 (1963) of 31 July and 183 (1963) of 11 December 1963,
Noting with deep concern the continued refusal of Portugal to take the necessary steps to implement the
aforementioned resolutions of the Security Council,
Considering that, in spite of the measures laid down by the Security Council in paragraph 5 of resolution
180(1963), the Government of Portugal is intensifying its measures of repression and its military operations
against the African population with a view to defeating their legitimate hopes of achieving self-determination
and independence,
Convinced that the implementation of the pertinent resolutions of the Security Council and the General
Assembly, and in particular Council resolutions 180 (1963) and 183 (1963), is the only means to achieve
a peaceful solution of the question of Portuguese Territories in accordance with the principles of the Charter
of the United Nations,
Recalling General Assembly resolution 1514(XV) of 14 December 1960,
1. Affirms that the situation resulting from the policies of Portugal both as regards the African population
of its colonies and the neighbouring States seriously disturbs international peace and security;
2. Deplores the failure of the Government of Portugal to comply with previous resolutions of the Security
Council and the General Assembly and to recognize the right of the peoples under its administration to
self-determination and independence;
3. Reaffirms the interpretation of the principle of self-determination as laid down in General Assembly
resolution 1514 (XV) and in Security Council resolution 183(1963);
4. Calls upon Portugal to give immediate effect in the Territories under its administration to the principle
of self-determination as referred to in paragraph 3 above;
5. Reaffirms its urgent demand to Portugal for:
(a) The immediate recognition of the right of the peoples of the Territories under its administration to
self-determination and independence;
(b) The immediate cessation of all acts of repression and the withdrawal of all military and other forces
at present employed for that purpose;
(c) The promulgation of an unconditional political amnesty and the establishment of conditions that will
allow the free functioning of political parties:
(d) Negotiations, on the basis of the recognition of the right to self-determination, with the authorized
representatives of the political parties within and outside the Territories with a view to the transfer of
power to political institutions freely elected and representative of the peoples, in accordance with General
Assembly resolution 1514 (XV);
(e) The granting of independence immediately thereafter to all the Territories under its administration in
accordance with the aspirations of the peoples;
6. Requests all States to refrain forthwith from offering the Portuguese Government any assistance which would
enable it to continue its repression of the people of the Territories under its administration; and to take
all the necessary measures to prevent the sale and supply of arms and military equipment to the Portuguese
Government for this purpose, including the sale and shipment of equipment and materials for the manufacture
and maintenance of arms and ammunition to be used in the Territories under Portuguese administration;
7. Requests all States to inform the Secretary-General on whatever measures are undertaken towards
implementation of paragraph 6 of the present resolution;
8. Requests the Secretary-General to ensure the implementation of the provisions of the present resolution,
to provide such assistance as he may deem necessary and to report to the Security Council not later than 30
June 1966.
Adopted at the 1268th meeting by 7 votes to none, with 4 abstentions (France, Netherlands, United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America).