Clashes Prelude To Rhodesian Polling

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30745, 8 May 1965, Page 15

Clashes Prelude To Rhodesian Polling

IN.Z. Press Association —Copyright)

SALISBURY, May 7.

Violent clashes tonight marked the final public appeals for victory in tomorrow’s Rhodesian general election.

The election could lead to I a unilateral declaration of independence from Britain. The fighting broke out between students and supporters of the Prime Minister (Mr lan Smith) and his all-white Rhodesian Front Party. About 35 Africans were in a group of students who first heckled speakers and then; clashed with Rhodesian Front supporters. Much of the Prime Minis-; ter's speech was drowned by heckling. Dominant issue

Independence is the dominant issue in the election. Earlier, in the United Nations, the Security Council voted 7-0 in favour of an Afro-Asian resolution calling on Britain not to allow Rhodesia to declare unilateral independence.

Britain, the United States, France and Russia abstained. Mr Smith, in a television broadcast yesterday, denied that the election was for a unilateral declaration of independence. But in earlier speeches he has said that if he cannot negotiate indepen dence his Government will have to seize it. Whole Support

His unity-for-independence appeal has won massive support from the white voters in spite of the unlikelihood of Britain granting Rhodesia independence on the basis of the present constitution. Most of the country’s four million Africans have boycotted the election and refused to register as voters because they believe the constitution would prolong white rule. But most white people appear to be prepared to accept the only alternative of a unilateral declaration of independence in spite of warnings of economic sanctions by Britain.