1.
TGV Special Committee in session in Committee Room.
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2.
LV Chairman, Ambassador Salim of Tanzania.
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3.
SV James R. Mancham, Chief Minister of Seychelles speaking.
2.05


MANCHAM: "Throughout the last few years allegations have often been made that there was a conspiracy between our Government, the British Government, and the South African Government to keep the islands under British control. Today's events have clearly demonstrated the baseless foundations of this allegation. However, I would like to take this opportunity to state once again that the Seychelles represent one of the most active and successful multiracial socialites on Earth. We are a friendly people of two languages and many more races who have always lived and worked together in harmony. As such, we have no sympathy for, and cannot but condemn in the strongest possible terms the policy of apartheid as practised in South Africa or anything else which resembles it in any part of the World. On independence, the Seychelles would seek membership of the United Nations, the British Commonwealth of Nations, and the Organisation of Africa Unity. Our desire for membership of these organisations clearly indicates that we subscribe to their fundamental principles."




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Background: The Chief Minister of the Seychelles, Mr. James Mancham, appeared before the United Nations Decolonisation Committee on Friday (17 May) to explain his decision to seek independence from great Britain before the end of the year.

Among the reasons he said, was the fact that neither the British Labour Party nor the Conservative had shown any real interest in setting up closer links with the territory.

Mr. Mancham also added that the Organisation of african Unity had recognised the opposition Seychelles People's United Party as a "liberation movement", and was supplying it with funds.

The 35-year-old leader of the ruling Democratic Party was returned to power with an increased majority in elections late in April. Independence -- supported by the Non-aligned Nations and the United Nations -- was the major issue.

Mr. Mancham spoke about the Seychelles as a multiracial community, and the direction it would take after independence.