Soviet Attack On Rhodesia Policy

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29853, 20 June 1962, Page 20

Soviet Attack On Rhodesia Policy

(N JZJ’.A.-Reuter—Copyright) NEW YORK, June 19. The Soviet Union yesterday described Southern Rhodesia as “a racist country created by grab and plunder,” and urged the General Assembly to demand its independence under African rule by the end of the year.

In a hard-hitting broadcast at colonialism in general and British colonialism in particular, the Soviet delegate (Mr P. D. Morozov) said the colonial Powers were trying to maintain a bridgehead in the heart of Africa. “Racist states'" in which millions of Africans were enslaved by white settlers were springing up like “poisonous mushrooms, ’’ he said. First Day Of Debate Mr Morozov took the floor after two African delegates had spoken in support of an Afro-Asian draft resolution on the first day of Assembly debate on what has been called the “explosive” situation in Southern Rhodesia. The Soviet delegate appealed to the 104-member forum to support the draft Among key provisions, this caUs upon Britain to set aside the new constitution for Southern Rhodesia published last December and urgently to call a new constsiu-tional conference with representatives of ail of the political parties in the colony. The proposed resolution also would reject Britain contention that Southern Rhodesia is self-governing and declare it to have the same status as a dependency.

Mr Morozov said the Soviet Union considered the General Assembly had a duty to end colonial domination in Southern Rhodesia as soon as possible. Hie Assembly should also call on Britain to: Take speedy steps to hand

over power to tbe people of Southern Rhodes.a. as soon as possible—“in any event by the end of 1962.” Immediately repeal the 1961 *, constitution, all laws and policies based on racial diserimtaation, all prohibitions against African political parties and free all political prisoners “languishing in colonialist dungeons.” Adopt the principle of one man, one vote. Immediately dieband the Fed- • eration. The Assembly adjourned till today.