SALISBURY, 29 FEBRUARY 1980: The British Governor of Southern Rhodesia today rejected calls for the postponement of the election because of repeated ceasefire violations.
The most serious was the massacre last week of 257 ZANU members by Bishop Muzorewa's auxiiaries. ZANU supporters, unarmed under the terms of the ceasefire agreement, were attending a pre-election rally in a Salisbury suburb. The auxiliaries were on routine policing duties members of the armed forces The Governor expressed sincere condolences to the relatives of those killed and of the victims of a incident a fortnight when several dozen ZAPU members died. But he said that if these deaths were not to be in vain it was vital that the election went ahead as planned.
*Zimbabwe Rhodesia has many long years of bloodshed and murder,' he said, reáding from a prepared statement. 'Now 1s the time to bury the old rivalries that divide us The Governor also pointed out postponement would 'grossly unfair' on those parties which had been campaigning for so long: some starting even before the tormal signature of the Lancaster agreement.
'We have all of us suffered greatly as a result of the Rhodesian tragedy, he said. "But we have also all made a firm commitment that this settlement should work. I am sure leaders of all agree. that the Lancaster House agreement stands above petty partisan interests.' However, the Governor did admit special measure. would necessary to deal ceasefire violations. Extra troops were to be flown in from Britain to strengthen the Commonwealth force, presently engaged in keeping the two sides apart.
Five hundred men of the 2nd Parachute Regiment the Special Regiment will Wiltshire, The has also agreed to requests from Mr Nkomo and Mr. Mugabe that the reinforcements should be strengthened by the addition of 30 Nigerian military observers as Like the other British, Australian and New Zealand forces posted in the his sensitive bush areas the new arrivals will have instructions to shoot to kill if they see guerillas straying from their predesignated assembly points.
The Governor paid special tribute to the Southern Rhodesian Air Force, of which he is titular head, for the regular reconnaisance flights it has seen made, which have been 'invaluable' in helping the monitoring force to detect ceasefire violators In the face of hostile questioning African Governor denied that some of these flights had been. made be African Mirages Rhodesian markings aliegations that personnel had ever seen active service House in the country as 'absurd'.
'The Prime Minister, Mr Botha, and the Foreign Minister, Mr Botha, both assure me that they pleased with the Lancaster in eem last month has ace a month completely routine combined operations exercise, involving 30,000 men, Limpopo she border with Rhodesia). southern *Although they are not required to, the South African government is nevertheless adhering to an informal and advisers Services leave Lineham, tomorrow. The Governor The Glossy force ale journalists. the all cly journalists. my word for it.
Dy South flying and dismissed geniemen South Atrican well House banks the speaker, JOSHUA NKOMO understanding that all border areas should be demilitarised.' Governor added: If the gentlemen of the press do not believe me they can go and see for themselves.
brochures describing the activities of the ceasefire monitoring ayallable here the Government Press Centre and the organises regular trips for You don't have to take Thank you for your cooperation, NAMIBIA Oppose the British government's pro-South African deals Wednesday 12 December MASS PICKET 6-7pm outside South Africa House, Trafalgar Square PUBLIC MEETING with SWAPO 7.30pm, National Liberal Club, 1 Whitehall Plac Organised by Namibia Suppor Committee [388 5539