Bid To Expel Rhodesia From Law Conference

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30839, 26 August 1965, Page 13

Bid To Expel Rhodesia From Law Conference

(N Z Press Assn—Copyright) SYDNEY, August 25 Zambia is to -eek the expulsion of Rhodesia from the Commonwealth Law Conference, which opened in Sydney today.

Mr Musonda Justin Chimba the Minister of Justice of Zambia f formerly Northern Rhodesia) said this at a press conference on his arrival in Sydney last nieht. He said he had onlv learned of Rhodesia’s participation at the conference shortly before he left for Australia. “If I had known earlier I would have cancelled my trin.” he said. Mr Ch’mha said that on instructions from the Govern ment. he would protest eeainst Sonthp-n Rhodesia or the e-nunds thet it was not an indenendent countr- andi so should be renresented by; the British delegation: was a-

j minority Government: and i had oppressive laws. ■ “If we are going to disI cuss law and how it is to be administered in the Common | wealth 1 do not think we 'should discuss it with a counj ,r v that is not independent of i Britain and which should be I -enresented bv Britain,” he | said

“1 do not see how Southern Rhodesia can reconcile its laws with the laws of other 'ndenendent Commonwealth countries.” he said

“Southern Rhodesia's laws —particularly its Landlord and Tenant Act and its Land Annointment Act—subject the mainritv of its people to oporession.

Asked if he would try to organise a "walk-out” of African States Mr Chimba said “That is not in mv mind at •he moment I will have talk l with other African States and ‘hen J will nrotest to the conference chairman and ask for Soiithe-n Rhodesia to be removed.”