EXTERIOR.MARGOLIS HALL, SALISBURY; MR SMITH ARRIVES; COLONEL KNOX, CHAIRMAN OF THE RHODESIAN FRONT, AND MR HARPER, MINISTER OF INTERIOR AFFAIRS; PARTY REPRESENTATIVE IN HALL.




Initials IF/V/RM/ES



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Background: A SECRET CONGRESS OF THE RULING RHODESIAN FRONT IN SALISBURY YESTERDAY (SATURDAY) IS REPORTED TO HAVE STRUCK FROM ITS POLICY THE ONCE-CHERISHED PRINCIPLE OF LOYALTY TO THE BRITISH CROWN. IN ITS PLACE, THE PARTY IS SAID TO HAVE SUBSTITUTED A STATEMENT PLEDGING LOYALTY TO THE 'INDEPENDENT COUNTRY OF RHODESIA'.

THE DECISION TO EXPUNGE ALL REFERENCE TO QUEEN ELIZABETH IN THE 15-PRINCIPLE MANIFESTO CAME EARLY IN THE SPECIALLY-CONVENED CONGRESS, ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 750 PARTY LEADERS AND SUPPORTERS. THIS REVERSAL OF THE OLD PARTY PRINCIPLE IS SEEN AS THE CLEARING AWAY OF THE LAST OBSTRUCTION TO THE EVENTUAL DECLARATION OF THE PARTY'S WISH FOR A RHODESIAN REPUBLIC.

THERE WAS NO OFFICIAL WORD AS TO HOW THE VOTING WENT, NOR WOULD PARTY OFFICIALS DISCLOSE THE NATURE OF MR SMITH'S ADDRESS TO THE APPLAUDING CROWD OF RHODESIAN FRONT SUPPORTERS. THE ONE-DAY CONGRESS WAS THE FIRST FULL PARTY MEETING SINCE INDEPENDENCE NEGOTIATIONS BROKE DOWN LAST DECEMBER.