Relations between Zambia and Rhodesia have deteriorated badly following increased activities by African guerrillas operating from the border area.

The latest guerrilla offensive began just before Christmas. At least three, and possibly five, people have been killed and another seventeen injured.

The Rhodesians claim Zambia has been harbouring the guerrillas.

On Tuesday (9 Jan), Rhodesia announced it was closing its border to all rail traffic except copper, and increased security precautions in the area. Zambia replied by announcing it would reroute all copper exports - which previously travelled through Rhodesia - through Tanzania. The Zambian government also described the Rhodesian action as a provocative act....adding that all landlocked nations had a right to access to the sea.

Despite the deteriorating relations between Zambia and Rhodesia, a special bus service is now in operation. Passengers from either side have to clear immigration and customs and change buses. Next week the service will become more important as hundreds of children whose expatriate parents work in Zambia, return to school in Rhodesia and South Africa.

SYNOPSIS: The deterioration in relations between Rhodesia and zambia has led to the need for special bus services between the two countries.

The border post at Chirundu, on the Zambian side, is the main crossing point between the Zambian capital, Lusaka, and the Rhodesian capital, Salisbury.

After clearing customs and immigration, the bus from Lusaka crosses the Zambesi to the Rhodesian side.

The bus then returns to the Zambian side with passengers from Rhodesia. Before the troubles between Rhodesia and Zambia, this journey was made smoothly by rail. The bus service will be tested to full effect next week when hundreds of children whose expatriate parents work in Zambia, return to school in Rhodesia and South Africa. The Rhodesians stooped the rail traffic after accusing Zambia of harbouring African guerrillas who have been causing trouble recently. Zambia has described the action as a provocative act.