International forces and the issue of Namibia in the 1970s

Abstract

Abstract taken from unknown publication, section B7: Law, p. 90:

This study is concerned with the prospects for a peaceful negotiated international settlement of the Namibian problem. An assessment of these prospects requires analysis of the situation in Namibia from several perspectives. The orgins of the problem, and its uniqueness in international affairs stems from the Mandate to administer the territory given to South Africa by the League of Nations in 1919. South Africa's exercise of that Mandate was always controversial but, from the time of the demise of the League, the legality of the Mandate became a major source of friction in international politics

After the Second World War, the United Nations was established as an international organisation designed to maintain peace and security. One of its organs, theTrusteeship Council, took over the responsibilities of the Mandates. In Namibia the United Nations was unable to implement its control. Whereas other nations handed over their Mandates to the United Nations, South Africa refused to do so. Conflict over jurisdiction has involved the World Court and has resulted in the United Nations unilaterally terminating the Mandate, asserting its own jurisdiction and resolving to guide Namibia towards independence. In this, it has been unsuccessful and this thesis is concerned with understanding the impotence of the world community. This necessitates an exploration of South African control and of international interests in the territory. It also leads directly to a need to explore the means which the indigenous population of Namibia have adopted to obtain their own independence and their relationship to South Africa and the United Nations. This study concludes that the United Nations proposal for a peacekeeping operation in Namibia is still probably the best solution for future stability and prosperity but it also is clear that such a solution will not be possible until South Africa acquires the necessary will to permit a settlement. That will not be easily acquired