Referendum (Hansard, 17 November 1964)

§ Mr. Bottomley

Mr. Smith has published a message to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister stating that in his Government's view there has been a resounding vote in favour of his Government's approach to the question of Southern Rhodesia's independence, and that they therefore believe the moment is right to proceed officially to discuss the matter between our two Governments.

The text of his message and of my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's reply is as follows: Now that the test of public opinion in the issue of Rhodesia gaining independence on the basis of the 1961 Constitution is over, my Government believe the moment is right to proceed officially to discuss the matter between our Governments.

2. There has been a resounding vote in favour of my Government's approach to the question of our independence and it is, therefore, my duty to follow this up to its ultimate conclusion.
3. As the Commonwealth Secretary has not been to Southern Rhodesia to see things for himself since assuming office and as he deals with Commonwealth affairs, I believe, if we are to avoid the pitfalls of long-range judgments, he is duty-bound to pay a visit for on the spot discussions with me, and I accordingly extend an invitation to the Secretary of State for this purpose.
4. I am sure you will appreciate that public opinion on the subject of our independence is strong and my Government has given an undertaking to the public as far as this question is concerned. I believe, therefore, that an early meeting is essential."

The Prime Minister's reply to Mr. Smith is as follows: 7th November. 1964 I have received the message which your High Commissioner handed to the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations this evening.

2. As I explained to you in my message of the 24th October, I am deeply concerned about the future relations between our two countries and I entirely agree that, as I have said in messages to you and have also repeated in our Parliament here, early discussion between our two Governments is essential.
3. It was for this reason that I invited you to come to London. In your reply to me of the 24th October you agreed that it was very important that we should have discussions as early as possible and said that you would be very pleased to visit London for this purpose. You suggested, however, that our meeting should take place after the referendum on the 36 5th November. I understand that since then you have said in public that you would not be able to have a meeting with the British Government unless you were convinced that it was in the interest of Rhodesia. I am sure that it would be in the interest of Rhodesia that you and I should meet to discuss the problems now confronting us. We are as anxious as you are to see this matter settled and I look forward to constructive talks with you.
4. The Commonwealth Secretary had, as you know, been anxious to pay a visit to Southern Rhodesia when he attended the Independence celebrations in Zambia, but felt it was his duty in that event to obtain a cross-section of European and African views. To our regret you did not feel able to meet his request on this point, and unless you are able to do so now, I am afraid it would not be possible for him to accept your invitation.
5. I hope, therefore, very much that you will be able to include with your invitation to the Commonwealth Secretary an assurance that he will be able to meet representatives of all sections of Rhodesian opinion, or failing that, that you and I will be able to have full, frank, and free talks in London soon."