PLEASING WORDS’

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30588, 3 November 1964, Page 13

PLEASING WORDS’

(N.Z.P. A.-Reuter—Copyright) BULAWAYO (Rhodesia), November 2.

The Prime Minister (Mr lan Smith) said in a television interview last night Rhodesians did not now have any doubts in their minds about the - attitude of South Africa.

Mr Smith was commenting on yesterday’s statement by the South African Prime Minister (Dr. Hendrick Verwoerd) that Britain, the United States and other countries should not interfere in Rhodesia’s affairs.

He said: “It was pleasing to us to get this message. I admire Dr. Verwoerd and thank him for the few words he said. Rhodesians do not now have any doubts in their minds about the attitude of South Africa.”

Questioned about next Thursday’s referendum, Mr Smith said that if the electorate voted against independence “it would set us back a long way and weaken our hand for a negotiated independence.” Asked whether, in view of the British Government’s refusal to send observers to the chiefs’ consultation, it was worth while proceeding with the referendum, Mr Smith declared: “This is typical of past thinking in the country. We believe it is to our advantage to make a stand and that we are not going to be badgered around in our own country.”