Oil Coming In, Smith Says

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30962, 19 January 1966, Page 17

Oil Coming In, Smith Says

(N.Z.P.A. Reuter —Copvrtoht) SALISBURY, January 18. The Rhodesian Prime Minister, Mr lan Smith, assured his petrol-rationed countrymen last night that oil was still coming into Rhodesia, in spite of the British oil embargo.

In a television interview, Mr Smith told a questioner: “Precisely from where and how much I am not prepared to say—but since the embargo, oil has come into Rhodesia and is still coming in.”

Mr Smith was asked if he could give an assurance to Rhodesia that oil supplies would be forthcoming, and that the people could plan accordingly. “I am confident and as sure as one can be in this world today,” Mr Smith said. “New Plans Made” “I don’t think I should try to deny that we were embarrassed for a while. We had been given undertakings and 1

regret to say that they were not fulfilled.” New plans had to be made, he said. “1 can tell you.” Mr Smith said, “that I think things are beginning to flow, and I am satisfied we will resolve this problem the same way as the others, and my advice to everyone is just to plan things to go normally.” Mr Smith said that as a farmer he was doing this, and making his plans for planting next year’s crop. Mr Smith also said he did not think further tightening of petrol rationing would be necessary. Mr Smith's confident assurance on oil supplies reflects the outward confidence which he and his Ministers have shown on this subject since they declared Rhodesia independent nine weeks ago. Most informed observers believe the situation is far more critical than it appears. The strict petrol rationing introduced nearly three weeks ago has since been tightened up, and no crude oil has flowed along the key 189-mile pipeline linking the Mozambique port of Beira with Rhodesia's only refinery at Feruka valley near Umtali since December 31.