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GVs INTERIOR Rhodesian Defence Minister Mark Partridge (right of picture) on dais with others at news conference, Salisbury, Rhodesia. (2 shots) (MUTE)
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2.
CU Partridge addressing newsmen (in English)
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TRANSCRIPT: SEQ. 2: PARTRIDGE: "The Government have stated their basic objective. Put simply, it is to preserve justice and individual liberty, within a framework of government which is both responsible and representative. This is no easy task, and may take time. But we will not abandon it, or be dissuaded from it. Our task is made more difficult by world attitudes, especially international Communism. We're fighting a war, albeit a terrorist war -- the new technique for Soviet imperialistic expansion.



Such a war is made possible by the undermining of the loyalty of Rhodesians to their country and its cause. It is essential, therefore, that we all play our part in the psychological campaign. I would like, too to warn our enemies that the innate evil that possesses them, illustrated by their dastardly actions against the innocent and the aged, will in the end demand its own retribution. They will be the ones who will suffer most. The Russians, by the atomic holocaust they invite upon themselves; the neighbouring states -- by rebellion, slavery and poverty, which they already have, and which will grow. Their unjust and unprovoked support of terrorism will only speed their own decline, while Rhodesia, standing firm against terrorism, will grow from strength to strength. Let us, therefore, get on with the job and dedicate ourselves to the destruction of the enemy in all his forms, and the full development of our country's resources of men and materials. Thank you."




Initials VS 16.10



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: INTRODUCTION: The Rhodesian Government says the Soviet Union, by supporting terrorism, will 'speed its own decline' -- while Rhodesia 'will grow from strength to strength'. In a statement by Rhodesia's Defence Minister, Mr. Mark Partridge, on Friday (1 April) the white government hardened Prime Minister Ian Smith's own stand on his return from South Africa the previous day -- when he said it was an 'erroneous belief' that the country would accept black majority rule within two years.

SYNOPSIS: (MUTE) Mr. Partridge told a news conference that Rhodesia would continue the guerrilla war in the belief that its enemies would bring about their own demise. The Soviet union was the subject of particularly strong criticism.