'Expelled By Rhodesia'

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31017, 24 March 1966, Page 13

'Expelled By Rhodesia'

(N.Z.P.A. -Reuter—Copyright) SALISBURY, March 23.

The Rhodesian regime of Mr lan Smith was reported today to have ordered the expulsion of two senior British officials from the country.

But no official confirmation of this was available from either British or Smith Government officials tonight. A Commonwealth relations office spokesman in London said earlier: “We have had indications that the authorities in Rhodesia were contemplating this move.” Reliable sources in Salis-

bury said the two officials under the expulsion order were Mr Stanley Fingland, former Deputy High Commissioner and now head of the British representation in the capital, and Mr Neville

French, the mission’s first secretary. Mr Fingland confirmed that Mr French would be leaving the country probably this week-end, but said he was being posted back to London.

He refused to comment on the reports that he and Mr French had been asked to leave the country. Sources said Mr Fingland would be leaving within two or three weeks.

Observers in Salisbury connected the expulsion reports with the mystery visit nine days ago of Mr Duncan Watson, Britain’s Assistant Undersecretary of State for Commonwealth Relations. The Commonwealth Relations spokesman in London confirmed that Mr Watson's visit had been to discuss the requested departure of the two men with the Rhodesian External Affairs Ministry. Mr Watson left Salisbury by air for Zambia tonight. He has declined to meet the press during his visit and the British mission in Salisbury described the trip as merely an inspection of staff and accommodation problems.