Diplomat in Minority
Panelists Favor Military Action Against Rhodesia's Ian Smith
By Giles Lambertson
Immediate British military intervention to bring down the Ian Smith regime was seen to be the best possible solution in the current Rhodesian crisis at the panel discussion yesterday sponsored by the Student Union Activities.
The Director of Public Information for the British Consulate in Kansas City, Michael Newton, was the only panelist who spoke in favor of the present British policy towards Rhodesia.
Opposing views were expressed by the other panelists, Errol E. Harris, distinguished professor of philosophy; Mischeck Mawema, Salisbury, S, Rhodesia, junior; and Girma Negash, Goba, Ethiopia, junior.
Walter Sandelius, professor of political science, served as moderator.
Newton explained the three alternatives from which Prime Minister Wilson had to choose when faced with the November 11 declaration of independence by Ian Smith's Rhodesian government.
The first of these, "to let them get away with it," was rejected, he said, because it was unacceptable to the British Colonial tradition. He said the second choice, military intervention, was decided against because to combat the Rhodesian armed forces — "one of the most formidable military forces in Africa" — would have precipitated a bloodbath.
"The third alternative, economic sanctions, was chosen because it would achieve the same results without accompanying bloodshed," the foreign service officer explained.
Economic sanctions by Britain include ban on the trade between the two countries, withdrawal of Commonwealth privileges, and
exploration of the possibility of a United Nations oil embargo.
"We think these measures should bring the illegal Smith regime on its knees in six to 12 months after the liberal elements of the white Rhodesian population begin to question the wisdom of the Nov. 11 declaration," Newton said.
Mischeck Mawema, speaking for the Rhodesian majority, said economic sanctions were "so ineffective that anybody could get along with them.
"The British parliament has a habit of vacillation that is almost infuriating."
The Rhodesian native suggested an internal insurrection supported by outside forces as a solution to the crisis.
"Nobody wants a situation similar to Kenya under the Mau Maus," he explained, "but that will happen if Britain doesn't move in."
Negash, who is secretary of the KU African Club, commenting on the economic sanctions, said, "This thing is deeply humiliating to all African Negroes, and could incite an internal rebellion leading to a revolutionary war with a race stamp on it. The only alternative to British military action is for the African states to take matters into their own hands."
Prime Minister Wilson's handling of the crisis from its inception was questioned by Prof. Harris, a native of South Africa.
He said, "The effects of economic sanctions are just as dubious as he (Newton) though might occur if Britain intervened militarily."
Daily Kansan 3
Wednesday, December 1, 1965
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Thursday, 4:30 p.m. Music Room of Kansas Union
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