RHODESIAN FEARS

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29138, 25 February 1960, Page 17

RHODESIAN FEARS

Government May Fall LONDON, February 24 Fears that Britain intends to “stell out” white Rhodesia to African nationalism has prompted talk of the Southern Rhodesian Government falling, according to the “Daily Telegraph.” The Government of Sir Edgar Whitehead had a majority of only three. The Opposition group, the Dominion Party, stood for a very gradual pace of African advancement to state responsibility. The newspaper said the Commonwealth Relations Secretary (the Earl of Home) was awaiting telegraphed instructions from the British Prime Minister (Mr Macmillan) today, on his report that white Rhodesia was firmly opposed to the feared “sell-out.” There was still strict secrecy in Rhodesia on the subject of the Earl of Home’s talks with Sir Edgar, the FedeYal Prime Minister (Sir Roy Welensky) and other political leaders. It was thought, however, that the Government expressed its irritation with the “reserve powers’ held by the British Government. The Government was believed to have said this involved constant reference to London on minor matters. The “Daily Telegraph” said that two motorised platoons had been sent into Nyasaland for training exercises with the Rhodesian African Rifles and the King’s African Rifles. It was not known if the authorities were expecting trouble in Nyasaland as the release of detainees pro•gressed.