| Main Performers | Mr Duncan Sandys - speaker |
| Performance Notes | In 1965 Ian Smith, Prime Minister of Rhodesia from 1964-1979, unilaterally declared the independence (UDI) of Rhodesia from the UK on 11 November 1965. British Prime Minister, Harold Wilson declared the UDI illegal and an act of rebellion on 12 November 1965, as did the United Nations Security Council on 19 November calling on Britain to end the rebellion. The British government declared an oil embargo against Rhodesia in December 1966.
"SANDYS CALLS UDI 'RECKLESS ADVENTURE'
Mr Duncan Sandys was interrupted and booed in the Albert Hall last night when he described Mr Ian Smith's unilateral declaration of independence for Rhodesia as "his reckless adventure."
He went on to say: "UDI is about the stupidest idea..." when his voice was drowned in an outburst of booing and slow handclapping.
Outside the hall supporters of Sir Oswald Mosely's movement and of the League of Empire Loyalists paraded opposite opponents, including large numbers of coloured people of the Smith regime. Police surrounded the hall to prevent incidents.
Mr Sandys, speaking at a meeting of the Anglo-Rhodesian Society attended by over 3,000 people, was cheered when he added: "I want the same thing as you, legalised independence for Rhodesia as soon as possible.
"GETTING HURT"
"Both sides must learn that they have everything to lose and nothing to gain by this sterile confrontation. Each country is getting hurt in different ways.
"The effect of sanctions is now beginning is slowly but unmistakably running down.
"But Mr Wilson must not imagine for one moment he had Rhodesia at his mercy and that he will soon bring Mr Smith to his knees.
"If he thinks that, he has totally misjudged the white Rhodesians. They are a robust and determined lot of people and the effect of sanctions has been to strengthen their determination to defy Britain at almost any cost."
There were several scuffles between stewards and interrupters during the noisy and stormy meeting. A man was knocked out when he tried to run to the platform but he quickly recovered."
(The Daily Telegraph, 22 June 1966) |