Threat To Quit Commonwealth

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31111, 14 July 1966, Page 15

Threat To Quit Commonwealth

(N.Z.P.A. Reuter —Copyright? LUSAKA, July 13. President Kaunda of Zambia has threatened that he might take Zambia out of the Commonwealth over Britain’s attitude on the Rhodesian question. He made his threat in a speech at his installation yesterday as the First Chancellor of the new University of Zambia.

He said he objected to what he called British manoeuvres over the date of the Commonwealth Prime Ministers’ conference and the Rhodesian independence issue. “While the British may have the ability to organise the calling of the Commonwealth conference in September instead of July, when in fact the pressing problem (of Rhodesia) calls for it, they have no ability to organise me to remain with that organisation.” he said. He had worked, he said, for Zambia to remain “in a Commonwealth in which there was sincerity, not cleverness of organisation.” He went on: “If leaving the Commonwealth is the only way Zambia could show that soulless cleverness wins rounds but not victories, then we must take this step. “If this decision is taken, British or other Commonwealth persons living in Zambia, whether they be citizens or residents, should have no fears at all. We live on principles and not on necessity.” Landlocked Zambia was the

; African country most hit by ; Rhodesia’s decision to declare independence unilaterally last . November, and has been press- • ing for tougher British action against Mr lan Smith’s breakaway Government