Pessimism On Fearless

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31809, 14 October 1968, Page 17

Pessimism On Fearless

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter —Copyright) GIBRALTAR, Oct. 13.

The British Prime Minister (Mr Harold Wilson) and his Rhodesian counter-part (Mr lan Smith) met again today for what are expected to be their final talks on the British warship Fearless. Observers believe today will see the end of the negotiations on the issue of Rhodesia’s independence, although both sides have said they intend to persevere as long as possible in the drive to reach a settlement of the three-year-old crisis. The two leaders wound up their third day of talks shortly before midnight last night, without being able to report any break in the deadlock. Conference sources said pessimistically that there was “an enormous gulf” between the two leaders. Mr Wilson and Mr Smith, each with two Cabinet Ministers, met for 2} hours last night. Today’s talks began after a religious service aboard Fearless attended by the crews of the Fearless and the destroyer Kent, in which the

Rhodesian leader and his party are quartered. After the first session of talks informed sources said neither side would budge on two central issues—the first of six principles laid down by Britain as a basis for a settlement: insistence on unimpeded progress towards African majority rule, and guarantees against any white

legislation to whittle away post-independence rights of Africans. The prize of a British grant of legal independence and an end to the grinding economic sanctions on Rhodesia hangs before Mr Smith. But it is felt that the Rhodesian Prime Minister can now only secure this prize by some dramatic change in his opposition to the conditions required by Britain before it legally transfers Constitutional power. Sources say one of the stickiest points in the discussions has been on the second issue, under which Britain would like to see legal machinery established to provide for outside appeal against any legislation passed by white Rhodesians which contravened a previous agreement.

The Rhodesian side has firmly held out on this point, insisting that an independent Rhodesia could not have its sovereignty compromised. From the British point of view, the only hope appeared to be that Mr Smith was holding out to the end for appearance sake before bending on any of these key issues.