after a,firm accustomed to risking a great deal for its profit margin,
had backed out of a £15 million deal because it realised it would undoubtedly be liable to prosecution under the laws of sanctions against
Rhodesia, this hypocrisy leaves no misconceptions as to the sincerity
of Britain "sanctions" policy.  Presumably, when the dam is built, the
transmitters are in place, and the current is running along the cable
to Salisbury, then Her Majesty's government will decide it is time to
apply sanctions - for then the £15 million will be safely in its pocket.
Perhaps Britain should be remined of a few facts:-
the United Nations Security Council resolution of May, 1968, for
which Britain voted, forbids U0No members from activities on the part
of their nationals "which could promote or are calculated to promote the
export of any commodities or products from Southern Rhodesia".
Britain's own Order in Council, in addition to forbidding the export
of any goods to Rhodesia, adds that no British subject may either "deal
in" any such goods nor "do any act calculated to promote" the "acquisition, disposal or processing by himself or any other person" of goods
exported from Rhodesia.
It hardly seems credible that Britain can seriously doubt that Cahora
Bassa will do anything other than give a great boost to the Rhodesian
economy - both in the eventual provision of the cheapest source of power it
has ever known and, mere immediately, through the demand it will generate
for materials, equipment and probably labour.  If the British government
needs proof:
1) The huge output from the dam will be more than is required by the .
three main receiving countries,  South Africa, Mozambique and Malawi.
Rhodesia needs more power, particularly such cheap, power.  Portugal
will not sit back with excess capacity  while an eager customer'is .
sitting on her doorstep.
2) A 'Newsreel' item broadcast on Salisbury radio on 15 July, 1968
said:  "Rhodesia has a triple interest in this venture.  The
country must welcome the project, for its successful completion
can only enhance the prospects for continued political stability
and economic expansion in Southern Africa. More immediately,..
Rhodesian firms should be well placed in the supply of goods and
materials for the dam site for at least a foreseeable period of up
to five years.  Lastly, Rhodesia has a very real interest in the
power that will be generated at Cahora Bassa, as v/ith her economy
expanding •at—its present rate and spurred on by sanctions Rhodesia's
requirements for industrial use alone will outstrip present supplies
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