Nkumbula calls Kaunda to join London talks

The Rhodesia Herald, November 27, 1962

LUSAKA. — The United National Independence Party (UNIP) leader, Mr Kaunda will fly to London on Wednesday at the request of Mr Nkumbula, president of the African National Congress, who is already in London. The two leaders will see Mr Butler, to “present a united front and case” for a new Constitution for Northern Rhodesia.

Mr Nkumbula cabled Mr Kaunda that after discussions with Mr Kenyatta, Kenya leader, and President-elect Nyerere of Tanganyika, they had agreed that Mr Kaunda should fly to London immediately.

Mr Nyerere has sent a promise of assistance if the UNIP leader has trouble in getting an air ticket to London. Mr Kaunda will see Mr Nyerere en route to London and also hopes to see Mr Kenyatta in Nairobi.

Mr Nkumbula has delayed his meeting with Mr Butler until after he has had a meeting with Mr Kaunda on his arrival in London.

Mr Kaunda refused to say today exactly what form the two nationalist leaders’ demands to the British Government would take, except they would make a “straightforward demand for a new Constitution.”

A quorum of the UNIP central committee met specially this afternoon to sanction Mr Kaunda’s flight to London. He hopes to return in time to take part in the closing stages of the campaign for the by-elections.

In his cable to Mr Kaunda, Mr Nkumbula said Mr Kenyatta and Mr Nyerere had also agreed that on their return to Northern Rhodesia from London, Mr Kaunda and Mr Nkumbula should ask their parties to ratify the formation and details of a coalition government.

Meanwhile, Mr Kaunda is to seek a meeting with the Chief Secretary, Mr Luyt, tomorrow to ask for the suspension of the arrests of tax defaulters in the Northern Province.

UNIP has threatened to withdraw from the by-election if the arrests are not halted.

LESSONS FOR TODAY

The meeting between Dr Kaunda and Mr Nkumbula in London represented a pivotal moment in the struggle for constitutional reform in Zambia, reflecting broader themes of unity among nationalist leaders and the quest for self-determination during a transformative period in African history.

The primary objective of the meeting was to present a united front to advocate for a new Constitution for Zambia.

The leaders aimed to consolidate their efforts and demonstrate solidarity among different political groups in order to strengthen their position when negotiating with British authorities.

This was crucial at a time when constitutional reforms were being discussed, as they would determine the future governance structure of Northern Rhodesia. This was also a crucial period in dismantling British colonialism in western and southern Africa.