Resolution 290 of 8 December 1970
The Security Council,
Having considered with appreciation the report of the Security Council Special Mission to the Republic of Guinea
established under resolution 289 (1970) of 23 November 1970,
Having heard further statements by the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Guinea,
bravely concerned that the invasion of the territory of the Republic of Guinea on 22 and 23 November 1970 from
Guinea (Bissau) was carried out by naval and military units of the Portuguese armed forces, and by the armed
attack against the Republic of Guinea on 27 and 28 November 1970,
Gravely concerned that such armed attacks directed against independent African States pose a serious threat to the
peace and security of independent African States,
Mindful of its responsibility to take effective collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to
international peace and security,
Recalling its resolutions 218 (1965) of 23 November 1965 and 275 (1969) of 22 December 1969 which condemned
Portugal and affirmed that the situation resulting from the policies of Portugal both as regards the African
population of its colonies and the neighbouring States adversely affects the peace and stability of the African
continent,
Reaffirming the inalienable right of the people of Angola, Mozambique and Guinea (Bissau) to freedom and
independence in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the provisions of General Assembly
resolution 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960,
Grieved at the loss of life and extensive damage caused by the armed attack and invasion of the Republic of
Guinea,
1. Endorses the conclusions of the report of the Special Mission to the Republic of Guinea;
2. Strongly condemns the Government of Portugal for its invasion of the Republic of Guinea;
3. Demands that full compensation by the Government of Portugal be paid to the Republic of Guinea for the extensive
damage to life and property caused by the armed attack and invasion and requests the Secretary-General to assist
the Government of the Republic of Guinea in the assessment of the extent of the damage involved;
4. Appeals to all States to render moral and material assistance to the Republic of Guinea to strengthen and
defend its independence and territorial integrity;
5. Declares that the presence of Portuguese colonialism en the African continent is a serious threat to the peace
and security of independent African States;
6. Urges all States to refrain from providing the Government of Portugal with any military and material assistance
enabling it to continue its repressive actions against the peoples of the Territories under its domination and
against independent African States;
7. Calls upon the Government of Portugal to apply without further delay to the peoples of the Territories
under its domination the principles of self-determination and independence in accordance with the relevant
resolutions of the Security Council and General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV);
8. Solemnly warns the Government of Portugal that in the event of any repetition of armed attacks against
independent African States, the Security Council shall immediately consider appropriate effective steps or
measures in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter of the United Nations;
9. Calls upon the Government of Portugal to comply fully with all the resolutions of the Security Council,
in particular the present resolution, in accordance with its obligations under Article 25 of the Charter;
10. Requests all States, in particular Portugal's allies, to exert their influence on the Government of
Portugal to ensure compliance with the provisions of the present resolution;
11. Requests the President of the Security Council and the Secretary-General to follow closely the implementation
of the present resolution;
12. Decides to remain actively seised of the matter.
Adopted at the 1563rd meeting by 11 votes to none, with 4 abstentions (France, Spain, United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America).