Frost no loss, says ‘relieved’ Smith

Press, 5 July 1977, Page 8

Frost no loss, says ‘relieved’ Smith

NZPA-Reuter Salisbury: The Rhodesian Prime Minister (Mr lan Smith) has welcomed the resignation of Mr Des Frost as chairman of the ruling Rhodesian Front,, and said the party would be much healthier for his de-j parture. “Clearly the man is completely two-faced and this gives you some idea of the problem 1 have had for the past few years trying to work with him," Mr Smith said in an interview with the "Rhodesia Herald.” Mr Frost used his resigna- ;

tion announcement at the] week-end to make a personal attack on Mr Smith. He said: the Prime Minister was] “tired and negative,” and lacked leadership, planning,] and direction. In his reply Mr Smith said: i Mr Frost had been an! embarrassment to the party: for some time, and that: news of his resignation had, come as a welcome relief. Discussing Mr Frost and the group of 12 Right-wing dissidents who recently resigned from his Parliamen-i tary caucus, Mr Smith said,: i “The party will be much

healthier once this malignant grow'th has been completely 1 excised.” “With all these resigna--1 tions, we have now managed to rid ourselves of a colossal amount of deceit which has : surrounded us for some time -and, accordingly, henceforth our dealings with the public : should be more honest and i straightforward," he said. Mr Frost has said he will I not retire from politics, and as a leading Parliamentary Right-winger, he may now I join forces with the 12 I rebels who have formed a : vociferous Opposition group.