The plea of Commonwealth leaders to Britain not to recognise Bishop Muzorewa's government in Zimbabwe-Rhodesia was reinforced this week by two British organisations.
The Catholic lnsitute for International Relations and the Minority Rights Group have given participants at the Commonwealth Conference in Lusaka, Zambia, a report* which claims that recognition would contravene all the six principles for acceptability laid down by Britain.
The report also backs the belief of most African countries that recognition would escalate the war in Rhodesia. It has been compiled by Dr Claire Palley. a Rhodesian constitutional expert now working at the University of Kent.
The "six principles" included unimpeded progress to majority
rule and end to racial discrimination and the acceptance by the Rhodesian people us a whole of any independence constitution. Dr Palley said that none of the six had been complied with and she added a seventh: "Will the suggested Rhodesian settlement lead to peace both internally and with Rhodesia's neighbours?" Her own answer was definite: "The settlement will enhance the prospect of war and of a global struggle in southern Africa."
Dr Palley quotes Lord Carrington, the Foreign Secretary, in support of her case against recognition. He said in May: "It is. our responsibility to try to bring Rhodesia to legal independence in conditions which will afford that country the prospect of a more peaceful future."
Meanwhile in Rhodesia itself a black MP has demanded that the government should keep close watch on the Catholic Church. Mr Titus Mukarati, member for Mushonaland West suggested in Parliament that the Church should be banned. Later he refused to give reasons for his statement. A spokesman for the Rhodesian Justice and Peace Commission said that the matter was being studied by its legal advisers.
* Zimbabwe, Rhodesia .should the present government be recognised'' by Dr Claire Palley I. available from (11R, I Catnbridge Terrace, London, N1,121,