UN General Assembly
1964

150. My delegation similarly welcomes the United Kingdom's pledge not to surrender to South Africa the High Commission Territories of Bechauanaland, Basutoland and Swaziland, and notes with satisfaction its commitment to grant to these territories early independence. The geographical location of these territories, however, gives rise to concern for their preservation upon accession of their independence. In one case, the territory is completely surrounded by hostile South Africa. In the other two, there is a long stretch of a shared border with either South Africa or Portuguese territories. There can be no doubt that the political independence and territorial integrity of these territories will be seriously threatened by their neighbours, whose intolerance of African independence is common knowledge. My delegation, therefore, deems the United Kingdom under obligation to give independence to these territories under adequate guarantees for their territorial integrity and political independence. We furthermore urge that the United Nations give serious consideration to extending to these territories an international guarantee to the same end.