1.
SV Rhodesian soldier in bush attack -- shouting to troops.
0.05

2.
(MUTE) SV Troops in attack. (3 shots)
0.16

3.
TRACKING SHOT Bush across border. (MUTE)
0.19

4.
SV AND GV Black nacionallist guerilla troops through bush (MUTE)
0.37

5.
SVS White Rhodesian troops in patrol through bush. (2 shots)
0.48

6.
Cu Rhodesian officer speaking.
1.07

7.
CU Rhodesian troops in base camp cleaning weapons and talking on radio telephone. (6 shots)
1.23

8.
SV Rhodesian soldier talking.
1.33

9.
SV Rhodesian soldier on guard.
1.39

10.
LV ZOOM INTO MV Mozambique flag showing across border.
1.47

11.
SVS Black Rhodesian civilians having arms explained by Rhodesian troops (2 shots)
2.05

12.
SV PAN Truckloads of Rhodesian troops back into base camp. (3 shots)
2.22


RHODESIAN OFFICER: "The guerrillas don't have as much determination as my guys, but I think we'll have fight on our hands. But they don't have that zeal or motivation, or determination. So, if it comes to a fight we would win-no more or no less. I would like them to come in numbers because then we can find them and slay them. This day we are looking in threes and fives and things and this is a very hard job to do."



HALTON: "Rhodesian troops appear to be tough and well trained. They speak of the K factor, the Kaffir factor, a disparaging comment on the cowardice and low fighting ability of the black rebels - and they're confident that the guerrilla threat can be contained."



SOLDIER: "You can't get at these guys long enough to have a good punch up with them. It's short and it's quick. You've got to get in and get it over as quick as possible."



HALTON: "The troops though, are aware that the circle is tightening around them. At this border post they're only a few hundred yards away from the Frelimo flag, symbol of black liberation of Mozambique from Portuguese rule. White Rhodesians say they're not fighting a race war. They point to the fact that black Rhodesians outnumber the whites in Rhodesia's army and claim there's no fear about their loyalty. But Africans under arms play the same subordinate role as they do in the homes and factories of white Rhodesia. The security forces feel they can win this war, provided the Cubans or Russians don't intervene. But their forces are already fairly stretched along the Mozambique border. If a second front is opened along the Zambian border, a genera mobilisation may be necessary."




Initials VS 20.00


TELERECORDING
DABVID HALTON

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Retaliation attacks form Mozambique have bene carried out in Rhodesian this week, following the weekend raid across the border by Rhodesian troops, when more than 300 black guerrillas were reported killed. About 30 mortar bombs fired from Mozambique hit the Rhodesian border town of Umtali on Wednesday (11 August). There are no reports of any casualties.

SYNOPSIS: This film was hot earlier this year on the border between the two countries.

Then the Rhodesian government had already stepped up search-and-destroy operations in the area. The 800 mile long border is where the main flash points of the war have been and the area is dense bush that's ideal for guerrilla fighting.

Reports after Sunday's raid say the base camp attacked was used for launching assaults on Rhodesia and that 30 of Mozambique's Frelimo soldiers and 10 civilians were also killed. A government statement said the raid was in retaliation for "unprovoked aggression" by the neighbouring African state. That apparently refers to a mortar bomb attack on a Rhodesian army base on Sunday when four white soldiers died.

Meanwhile, security forces are confident of winning the war. A Rhodesian officer talked to David Halton of CBC.