Rhodesia rejects invasion report

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34043, 6 January 1976, Page 13

Rhodesia rejects invasion report

: (N.Z P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) < SALISBURY, Jan. 5. The Rhodesian Government has rejected as propaganda a report that 12,000 black Rhodesian guerrillas ate poised in neighbouring Mozambique, ready to launch an invasion against Rhodesia next Saturday. A Government spokesman said today that the report, published in the "Johannesburg Sunday Times,” appeared to be based on propaganda by the external wing [of Rhodesia’s divided nationalist movement. “It looks like an attempt to upset the present negotiations on Rhodesia’s future between Mr lan Smith’s Government and the nationalist

[movement led by Mr Joshua |Nkomo,” the spokesman said. “While recognising that there are terrorist groups near the border, the report is considered alarmist and grossly exaggerated." Political circles in Salisbury doubt whether President Samora Machel of Mozambique would allow an intensive guerrilla strike from his territory while the constitutional negotiations are in progress. African leaders generally are understood to be adopting a wait-and-see attitude pending the outcome of these talks before committing themselves to any new course of action. Committees from both sides in the talks are expected to confer today to prepare for another plenary meeting, which is likely to begin tomorrow or Wednesday