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CU: new Rhodesian Action Party Founder member John Wright addressing news conference (in English) in salisbury, Rhodesia.
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WRIGHT: "On an individual basis, some of our members have made contact with several non-militant black Rhodesian groups, to determine common causes and to consider a basic approach to a political solution. The party will set up a liaison committee to concentrate on this important issue. Our Principles, objectives and plans are set out in the party brochure -- a copy of which has been handed to you. Broadly, you will note that we have mounted a twin offensive-we demand a ruthless prosecution of the war both internally and externally, and the elimination of pro-terrorist political organisations within Rhodesia. This, in turn, will provide the base for the implementation of a political plan which will ensure, through positive qualities, that Rhodesia develops as a self-reliant nation where peoples of different cultures can live side by side. We firmly believe that the first task is to re-establish the confidence of Rhodesians of all races, demonstrating that there is a permanent future for all in a stable Rhodesia".




Initials RH/2000



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Background: Rhodesia's new white party, formed by a group of members of parliament which broke away form the ruling Rhodesian Front of Prime Minister Ian Smith, has called for a ruthless prosecution of the war against guerrillas -- both internally and externally. The new group, the Rhodesian Action Party, was launched on Tuesday (4 July) after the MP's were expelled by Mr. Smith for hard-line political activities in defiance of government and Rhodesian Front policies. At the party's first news conference, in Salisbury, the Rhodesian capital, founder member and dissident MP, Mr. John Wright, also called for the `elimination of pro-terrorist organisations' within the country. But first, he spoke about hopes for the future.