1.
GV Salisbury
0.06

2.
GV INT. Centre party campaign office
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3.
SCU Officials at work
0.22

4.
CU Bashford speaks (SOF)
1.49


TRANSCRIPT (SEQ 4): BASHFORD: Now as for the Republican issue, we believe that this should be a matter completely for each individual to decide for himself without any reference whatsoever to Party politics. Now, if you vote down the Constitution your decision on the Republican issue is essentially a personal one. However, I should like to make it quite clear that the declaration of a Republic will not bring recognition by other states any closer as government speakers would like you to believe. In fact, it has already been pointed out by Sir Humphrey Gibbs, that the declaration of a Republic can only be just another step on the road to total isolation if we make that declaration before we get recognition. We must get recognition first. Now, I want to ask you all, as Rhodesians, not to embark in course which I know, and I believe you know too in your hearts, can only lead to violence. Don't let us destroy all that our forebears have so laboriously achieved. When we've got a settlement, on terms acceptable to Rhodesia - as I am quite certain we shall get a settlement - with the Constitution so agreed as bed-rock, we can begin to force ahead as one nation; proud, independent and free.




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NOTE TO EDITORS: EMBARGO: NOT FOR BROADCAST BEFORE 16.40 GMT WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18th. WE WOULD ALSO REFER YOU TO OUR PRODUCTION NO. 5415/69.

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Mr. Pat Bashford, President of the moderate pro-settlement Centre Party of Rhodesia, who opposes the Referendum which goes to a national vote of the largely-white electorate on Friday (June 20th), spoke in a nation-wide broadcast today (Wednesday).

The referendum will ask the people of Rhodesia to vote on two main issues: the institution of a reformed Constitution; and the declaration of a Republic of Rhodesia. The Centre Party has opposed the reformation of the Constitution on the grounds that it would bring stronger apartheid measures into effect; and, on the Republican issue, Mr. Bashford today said: