ZAMBIAN MOVE OVER U.D.I. ‘Disengaging From Commonwealth’

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31120, 25 July 1966, Page 13

ZAMBIAN MOVE OVER U.D.I. ‘Disengaging From Commonwealth’

GV.Z. Press Association—Copyright) LUSAKA (Zambia), July 24. President Kenneth Kaunda said yesterday that Zambia would start “disengaging” itself from the British Commonwealth because the British Government had not taken tougher action against Rhodesia’s illegal seizure of independence.

Zambia would attend some Commonwealth activities, but not others, President Kaunda explained.

A decision on whether to make a complete break with the Commonwealth would be taken in September, when Commonwealth leaders were due to meet in London, President Kaunda said.

This would depend on Mr Wilson’s plans on Rhodesia.

President Kaunda said he was beginning to doubt that the British Prime Minister, Mr Harold Wilson, was interested in fighting Premier lan Smith’s regime.

Only a threat that the Government would split over the issue had prevented a “sellout" over Rhodesia, he suggested. President Kaunda said he held Mr Wilson personally responsible for the Rhodesia issue.

President Kaunda, who has threatened to take Zambia out of the Commonwealth over Rhodesia, told the press conference: “He takes the decisions. He must take full responsibility. “I want to emphasise that my fight has never been against the British people as a whole. It has been against the British leader.” ‘Let Down’

President Kaunda said it was a bitter disappointment to him that Zambia had been let down so badly (over Rhodesia). “If the British leader was not prepared to fight this rebellion (in Rhodesia) he

should have let me know.” Asked if Zambia would continue to fight if Britain reached a settlement in Rhodesia which involved a sellout of the Africans there, he replied: “Without doubt.”

Zambia could not allow the rebellion to continue. In this she would have the support of people all over the world. If Mr Wilson "sold out,” he would be faced by a rebellion in his own party, the President said. ‘A Disgrace’ On the recent World Court decision on South-West Africa, President Kaunda said it was a disgrace that the Court had taken six years to make a decision based on technicalities. He would like the Court, “A good instrument towards world government,” to remain as pure as possible. He hoped judges would come forward who did not base decisions on colour.