WALDHEIM ON SOUTHERN AFRICA: "Something must be done to meet demands of blacks’

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34089, 28 February 1976, Page 15

WALDHEIM ON SOUTHERN AFRICA: "Something must be done to meet demands of blacks’

(A c P .4 Hauler— Copyright) NEW YORK. February 27. I he United Nations Secretary-General < Dr Kurt Waldheim said today that the black majorities in Rhodesia and Namibia (South-West Africa l were growing increasingly impatient, and that it was high time something was done to meet their demands. “Otherwise, we should not be surprised if an explosive situation arises.” he told a news conference.

Questioned about the intervention of some 12.000 Cuban troops in Angola on behalf of the Soviet Union-backed M.P.L.A., Dr Waldheim said that he had already been very outspoken on this subject at a news conference last month. “I want to add nothing to what 1 said then.” he said. “I maintain my position, which 1 made in January, that 1 am against any foreign intervention, in whatever country it may be.”

Asked if the developments in Angola had created a new opportunity for the United Nations Io assert its authority in Namibia. Hr Waldheim replied: “We are certainly ready to help in w ha»ever wav is feasible, whether it is political?, or in the humanitarian field, but I cannot give you anv concrete answer how that will be done in the light of certain de-1 velopments in the area.” Lord Greenhill. special envoy of the British Prime Minister (Mr Harold Wilson), will meet white and : black Rhodesian leaders in Salisbury today.

Ihe former heao of Brit-1 ain’s Diplomatic Service wil|i< have a second meeting withh the Prime Minister (Mr < Smith' before his talks with J Mr losnua Nkomo, the < leadei of ’he moderate internal wing of the African Nat- I ional Council. Mr Smith and Mr Nkomo vesterdav resumed their con-1 stitu’ional talks aimed at making legal Rhodesia’s 1 independence. 10 years after the white-minority Govern- 1 ment rebelled against British 1 rule. * Mr Nkomo said that they would meet again on Monday, “which shows that; there mav be signs of somemovement.” He added that] 1 the aim of his meetings with Lord Greenhill was “to find! Hout, possibly, if there might I i be changes, and see what! comes of hat.”

Observers regard thisl comment as reflecting more optimism than two weeks ago, when the constitutional talks were adjourned near deadlock. Since then, both sides are believed to have reviewed then proposals, but Mr Smith is 'till thought likely to retect Mr Nkomo's basic’ insistence on swift progress to black-«na'ority rule. I.ord Greenhill met Mr Smith last night, but details of their tatxs have not been disclosed Some sources suggest that’ Lord Graenhill will sound out both Mr Smith and Mr iN’komo about broadening the I constitutional conference to ! include the more militant I external wing of the ANC, I led bv Bishop Abel Muzo|rewa, wno is said to be I organising guerrilla activity | in Mozambique. i Both leaders are expected to resist .his' Bishop Muzorewa has said that the only way open to secure majority rule for Rhodesia's ft million blacks is war against the 250,000 whites

Peaceful protest

Yesterday, hundreds of shouting Africans marched into Salisbury’s central square, waving anti-Govern ment placards and protesting against British “interference ’ in the constitution!l negotiations. The demonstrators, including many women with ch Idren strapped to their backs, paraded in Cecil Square opposite the hotel in which Lord Greenhill is staying Their placards read: “Greenhill go back to London—you are a sell out!”, “No British interference!”, and "White pigs, out of Zimbabwe!” (the nationalist name for Rhodesia). The. trowd broke up peacefully after about an hour. Lord Greenhill was not in his hotel at the time.