Russia Supports Zambia

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30943, 27 December 1965, Page 9

Russia Supports Zambia

(N. Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) MOSCOW, Dec. 26. The Kremlin has pledged support to Zambia in giving assistance to Rhodesia’s Africans and in spearheading liberation movements in southern Africa.

A joint communique issued yesterday after the visit of Zambian Finance Minister, Mr Arthur Wina, said special attention was paid to the Rhodesia crisis during his talks with Soviet leaders in Moscow.

It gave no details of any

Soviet assistance which may have been promised, and Zambian officials declined to go into detail. But a spokesman said Mr Wina’s mission was “completely fulfilled," which was seen as an indication that Soviet assistance may have been promised.

Request For Trucks

Zambia was expected to ask for Soviet trucks to help beat any economic blockade imposed by the breakaway Rhodesian regime.

But qualified African sources privately dismissed reports that the delegation asked for troops to help guard the Kariba dam. The Soviet Governm nt

newspaper, “Izvestia,” tonight indicated that the Kremlin does not completely agree with Zambia’s policies in the face of the Rhodesia crisis. The newspaper appeared disappointed that many African countries, including Zambia, did not break off diplomatic relations with Britain in line with a resolution of the council of the Organisation of African Unity. The council had called for a break if the Rhodesian regime was not unseated by December 15. “Izvestia” said: “The disruption of diplomatic relations by all African States at the same time would have shown the imperialists that dealing with Africa was no joke now and that it is capable of safeguarding its vital interests.” Troops To Bechuanaland

British troops have been flown to Bechuanaland to help guard the British Government radio station being built there to beam uncensored 8.8. C. news to Rhodesia, the Colonial Office in London announced tonight. A spokesman said the troops, a small detachment from a British battalion stationed in Swaziland, had been sent hi by agreement with Bechuanaland Premier, Mr Khama, because local police were unable to spare suffi'dent men for guard duties.

The station is to be used to relay 8.8. C. programmes previously carried by the Rhodesian Broadcasting Corporation, but dropped when Rhodesia seized independence.