Doubt in Rhodesia

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33253, 16 June 1973, Page 15

Doubt in Rhodesia

! (N.Z.P.A -Reuter—Copyright) SALISBURY, June 15. President Dupont of Rhodesia yesterday expressed serious doubts about a constitutional settlement being reached between Rhodesia and Britain. Opening the new session of Parliai ment, he said the Government believed that Rhodesians must reconcile themselves to this position. This was the second time in two days that Rhodesians; had been warned to expect another settlement failure. The dav before, the Minister; of Lands (Mr Mark Partridge) [made similar remarks when; (opening a ’ cal government ■I conference. Political observers say that I rhe Government no longer beqlieves a settlement can be (achieved under the 1971

terms, and that its spokesmen are preparing Rhodesians for . a final statement later in the year. “The ending of the consti- ; tutional dispute with the | British Government remains) ar. important objective of my [ Government,” Mr Dupont told Parliament. “Recently, howi ever, it has become obvious . that, because of political and , economic considerations un- ■ related to Rhodesia, the British Government no longer has : the same determination to ( resolve the issue that was evident when the agreement was signed in November, ■ 1971. >[ “It is necessary’ that the : people of Rhodesia should . take note of this assess■.ment, because there are disl advantages inherent in proi'longed uncertaintv about a (settlement. If the British Government is not nrepared : to implement the 1971 pro- ■ nosals, my Government bes lieves that the people of Rhodesia must reconcile 1

i themselves to this position." Of the guerrilla activity, Mr : Dupont said that some Rhodesians had been the target of vicious and murderous ; attacks by terrorists who 1 1 were backed financially by ’ “various misguided and hosI tile States and organisations.” ■ The guerrillas were armed ; with weapons from CommunI ist sources, he said. He added that the Govem- ■ ment would do all it could to : ensure that the security i forces were given the means ; and equipment needed to pre- : serve State security, and to , search out and destroy guerillas. 1 Mr Dupont also said that I legislation would come before ■ Parliament during the session. providing for the registration and identification of all Rhodesians. This move follows sharp criticism of the ! Government for introducing legislation last year, making it • an offence for Africans not to ' have identity documents on ('them at all times. I