RHODESIA Recognition Problems

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32235, 2 March 1970, Page 13

RHODESIA Recognition Problems

(N Z P A.-Reuter—Copyright)

SALISBURY, March 1. The transition by Rhodesia from colony to republic is causing little excitement in Salisbury and there will be no fanfares or banner-waving tomorrow.

Political observers believe that the question of foreign recognition is of paramount importance.

Although 12 countries are diplomatically represented in Salisbury, none recognises Rhodesia—not even South Africa, which has already announced that a Rhodesian republic will not affect the relationships between the two countries. South Africa’s refusal to join in sanctions against Rhodesia has been the main factor enabling the white minority regime of Mr lan Smith to survive trade embargoes. Some confusion remains over the continued presence of the United States Conso-late-General, which is accredited to the British Crown. When Rhodesia sweeps away her last links with Britain tomorrow, Rhodesians will anxiously watch for reaction from Washington. The American consul-i general (Mr Paul O'Neil) told reporters today: “I am waiting for instructions.” In Washington, officials refused to explain why the White House backed down from an announcement that the mission would remain when Rhodesia becomes a republic. There was confusion when the White House press secretary (Mr Ronald Ziegler) said yesterday that Washington would maintain the consulate

without- recognising Mr Smith’s regime, and then, four hours later, announced, that no decision had been reached.

The widely-held belief was that Mr Ziegler’s retreat reflected a behind-the-scenes struggle which has split the Administration over policy towards Rhodesia. Informed sources said that the State Department had argued that the consulate should be closed to support Britain’s refusal to recognise Mr Smith’s regime. Zambian Plea i The United States is under heavy pressure from many African States to close the mission down. The President of Zambia (Mr . Kenneth Kaunda), in particular, made) a’strong plea for its removal when he conferred with the United States Secretary of State (Mr William Rogers), in Lusaka earlier this month. In Addis Ababa, Emperor Haile Selassie called on Britain and the United Nations to take effective measures to restore the rights of the African majority in Rhodesia. Speaking at the opening of the Organisation for African [Unity Ministerial Council meeting, the Emperor said: “The latest move to declare Rhodesia a republic completes the act of defiance of the world community, and must be condemned as a further affront to the African people.”