Wilson Discounts Break-up

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31832, 9 November 1968, Page 25

Wilson Discounts Break-up

(N.Z.T.A.-Beuter—Copvright>

LONDON, November 7.

The Prime Minister (Mr Harold Wilson) has discounted suggestions of a break-up of the Commonwealth if Britain granted legal independence to the Rhodesian Front Government of Mr lan Smith.

Replying to a Labour member in Parliament who said this would be one certain effect of an agreement with Mr Smith, Mr Wilson said: “No. This would be very difficult for a number of members of the Commonwealth. But I indicated last week some of the realities in this situation. “We should all be sorry to feel that any member of the Commonwealth valued the Commonwealth link so lightly as to leave it on account of an agreement—if that becomes possible—with Rhodesia in relation to the six principles. The Liberal leader (Mr Jeremy Thorpe) asked if it were true that four members would quit the Commonwealth if a Rhodesia settlement were reached on the British pro-

posals worked out during Mr Wilson’s talks with Mr Smith at Gibraltar last month. Mr Wilson replied: “This is a particular newspaper rumour to which I cannot give any credibility at all. I am aware of the strong feelings —of more than four members of the Commonwealth—but not to the extent of leaving the Commonwealth if this were done." The British conditions are based on six principles, which include guarantees for eventual African majority rule and safeguards to protect African rights against retrogressive legislation. Mr Smith is now discussing them with a special British mission to Rhodesia led by Mr George Thomson, Minister in 'Charge of Negotiations.