Power Struggle In Rhodesia

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31725, 8 July 1968, Page 11

Power Struggle In Rhodesia

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) SALISBURY, July 7. The Rhodesian Prime Minister, Mr lan Smith, faces the risk in the coming weeks of an intensifying back-room power struggle in the Rhodesian Front Party after his purge from the Cabinet of Mr William Harper, the Right-wing faction leader.

Mr Harper resigned as Internal Affairs Minister at Mr Smith’s insistence, but he is still a powerful figure in the party. The next month or so could see tactical manoeuvring for position by Mr Harper, now engaged in a counting of heads of men who would support him in any showdown with the leadership. Mr Harper has for a long time been at odds with Mr Smith over many aspects of Rhodesian policy, and personal friction between the two men has served to exacerbate these divisions.

Now rid of the disciplines forced on him by his Cabinet responsibility, the 51-year-old former fighter pilot has already made his first move in the developing power game with his decision to stay in the Rhodesian Front and continue the fight from there. His conflict with Mr Smith has many facets, both personal and political, but is probably well enough synthesised in his opposition to Mr

Smith’s doctrine of maintaining African representation in Rhodesia's Parliament Mr Harper frankly does not consider Africans worthy or able enough to match the white man in debate. He wants them out of Parliament. He could have left the Front to join a group of similarly-minded former party malcontents—the Rhodesian National Party. The party lacks standing and is in search of an acknowledged leader and would have welcomed him with open arms.