Rhodesian elections

Press, 26 April 1979, Page 20

Rhodesian elections

Sir, — Like J. Logan (April 21), many others must want to know why Britain and America through their constant sanctions are trying to wreck the economy of Rhodesia. Mr lan Smith has on many occasions while speaking on television, put the blame for Rhodesia’s plight on Britain and America. The well-fed blacks in Rhodesia (including the guerrillas for whom the churches are pouring in thousands of dollars) need only study Idi Amin’s harsh chaotic military rule to realise that a ruthless state of affairs could one day be their fate when the whites pull out, as many undoubtedly will when black rule is established. — Yours, etc:,

L. E. REID. April 21, 1979.

Sir, — The impending doom of Britain’s patron saint, Joshua Nkomo, the terrorist leader, through the successful Rhodesian election will no doubt call for a period of mourning in the United Kingdom and its guiding star, the United Nations. The Rhodesian election result is a triumph for democracy and another very lucrative overseas market will shortly be open to all comers apart from Britain and the United States, who will suffer the consequences of their double dealing tactics on behalf of the Communist cause. New Zealand tvill be given preference with regard to trade relations with Rhodesia subject of course to our Government’s

determination to stand firm against the dictates of the United Nations, the trade unions, and others. Mr Muldoon now has the opportunity of proving that with all his shortcomings he is still the right man for the job. — Yours, etc.,

L. WESTNEY. April 21, 1979.

Sir, — I should like to second the opinion of J. Logan (April 21). In the past the native populations of African countries were certainly treated harshly by the white colonists. But now that conditions have changed why have they had to change to the extent that other countries have fallen entirely out of sympathy with Africa’s white population? I have always had a great respect for lan Smith who has tried to do his best in almost impossible situations. My heart bleeds for the way he has been treated by European and other nations. I am deeply ashamed of the attitude of my own country, the United Kingdom, in this respect. — Yours, etc., HELEN CAMERON, Geraldine. April 21, 1979.

Sir, — The point that Georgie Hall (April 16) misses completely is that majority rule, however admirable in itself, becomes a futile and tragic fiasco if the expertise to govern does not exist. For very obvious reasons, such expertise is sadly lacking among Rhodesia’s aspiring black politicos. Having been deprived of opportunity to gain the neccessary experience, they would be victims of an even greater injustice if the only existing nucleus of administrative know-how were denied them. Like them or loathe them, Mr Smith and his ministers have an impressive survival record in the face of awesome opposition. That economic and administrative experience will be invaluable to the new government. Whichever way the sums are done the result is a disproportionate ratio of voters to seats held. But equally, the end result is still a black majority government. Is not that what all the fuss has been about these last 14 interminable years? — Yours, etc.,

JOHN LOMAS, Wellington. April 21, 1979.