A Rhodesian Republic Expected Soon

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31249, 22 December 1966, Page 13

A Rhodesian Republic Expected Soon

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, December 21. British Government officials were convinced today that rebel Rhodesia soon will declare itself a republic outside the Commonwealth, says the Associated Press.

This was seen in London as an almost, inevitable consequence of Mr Wilson’s decision to give up trying for a negotiated settlement with the white rulers of Rhodesia.

When Rhodesia seized its independence from Britain 13 months ago rather than accept eventual government by Africans, the Premier, Mr lan Smith, and his government still proclaimed loyalty to the Queen.

The last slender links with the British Throne would of course be broken by the declaration of a rebel Republic.

Officials with contacts in Salisbury said the feeling there was that the Smith regime would stand “a better chance of survival” outside the Commonwealth in the coming months of compulsory economic sanctions by the United Nations. Some non-white Commonwealth countries are among the fiercest advocates of allout efforts to crush the Smith Government, including the

use of military force if necessary.

It was noted in Salisbury that for the first time the Rhodesian radio will not relay the Queen's Christmas message this year. Instead there will be a speech by Mr Clifford Dupont, the Smith-appointed “officer administering the Government.’’

This might be the opportunity for declaring a final break with the British Crown and Commonwealth, officials speculated.

Slants Door Most white Rhodesians were reported to be incensed by Mr Wilson’s statement yesterday that Britain will grant legal independence only when an African administration is ready to take over. The statement amounted to slamming the door on any last hopes of a settlement based on the agreement worked out by Mr Wilson and Mr Smith aboard the cruiser Tiger in the Mediterranean. Mr Smith’s Cabinet rejected such a settlement although Mr Smith himself had seemed to favour it.