adminThe Rhodesia Herald, December 18, 1965
THE British Government tonight announced that it reserved the right to refuse entry to Britain to people who had got visas from representatives abroad of the “illegal regime in Salisbury.”
A Foreign Office announcement said that British Government representatives abroad were the sole legal authorities for the issue of visas for Rhodesia.
“It is our intention to assist this authority and to ensure that it is not usurped by representatives abroad of the illegal regime in Salisbury.
“To this end, we reserve the right to refuse entry to the United Kingdom to persons who have got ‘visas’ from those representatives,” the announcement said. — Iana-Reuter.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
The British government’s announcement underscored its refusal to recognise the legitimacy of Ian Smith’s regime and highlighted its commitment to supporting movements toward majority rule. The policy was part of a broader strategy to isolate Ian Smith’s government internationally.
The statement emphasised that only British officials had legal authority over immigration matters concerning Rhodesia, reinforcing Britain’s control over its foreign policy regarding former colonies.
This decision also reflected broader geopolitical dynamics during the Cold War era, where Western nations were increasingly pressured to address issues related to colonialism and racial discrimination.
Online Reporter