A great leader of men.
He was a man who evoked strong emotions whenever his name was mentioned. Either you believed in him or you despised him.
I like to think that you have to look at things within the context of the times. It’s of no use looking at things which have already evolved and then trying to pass judgement. Or in other words, perhaps someone who went to Africa in 1890 sees things differently to someone brought up in today’s world.
These are just my views on an extraordinary man, a second world war hero. A man who was called upon to defend Western culture and all that it stood for.
The beginning of these strong emotions was when in 1965 as Prime Minister of Rhodesia he rebelled against The Crown with these immortal words;
” To us has been given the privilege of being the first western nation in the last two decades to have the determination and fortitude to say:’So far and no further.’ We may be a small country, but we are a determined people who have been called upon to play a role of worldwide significance. We Rhodesians have rejected the doctrinaire philosophy of appeasement and surrender. The decision which we have taken today is a refusal by Rhodesians to sell their birthright. We have struck a blow for the preservation of justice, civilisation, and Christianity-and in the spirit of this belief we have just assumed our sovereign independence. God bless you all.”
His early years.
Small beginnings?
Entry into politics.
Smith was first elected to Parliament in 1948 whilst still in his twenties when he won the seat of Selukwe where he was busy farming. So began his political career.
He was a natural leader and because of his life experiences he was utterly fearless. Not surprisingly therefore he made steady progress culminating in being Minister of Finance during the Federation years.
The Federation was just a compilation of three neighbouring states in those days, colonies ( Ah, dear old England hey) consisting of Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland. Currently known as Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi.This became more and more convoluted and was dissolved in 1961.
In essence Rhodesia had been self governing almost since it’s inception and had repeatably been promised Independence from successive British governments. Along the same lines that this was granted to Australia and New Zealand. However in Rhodesia’s case they were denied, (read betrayed).
The Sixties, Turbulent Times.
communist system. Not only that but within free Nations people were questioning long held beliefs and promiscuity and hedonism were gaining increasing popularity.For a man like Smith this was against everything he held dear as he had a largely Victorian belief in moral values and British primacy.Make no mistake about it, but the communist ideology was huge at this time. Think of it back then, the Russians had ruthless control of most of Europe only being held back by the Berlin wall largely due to American beliefs. Even so many other countries were flirting with this even Italy, Portugal and France. Then you had China, North Korea,Vietnam, and the list was almost endless.The communists were after world domination and they were going about this ruthlessly. In Africa this consisted largely of trying to convince disenfranchised people of the importance of Marxist/Leninist views and then arming them accordingly. The Chinese were playing the same game and both of them were after the Cape sea route and if they could control that, they could disrupt world trade.The secret of terror is to terrorise.Independence.
Testing times.
give you an outline of his character. Therefore for a man like this it must have taken an enormous amount of courage and fortitude to rebel against the crown.Basically within Africa at this time terrorist movements guided by communist ideologies and operating under the premise of black nationalism were the ‘in thing’. British governments of the time prompted by MacMillan’s winds of change speech were falling over backwards in their rush to placate these people and give them Independence and power in their own countries. It reached the stage where now it was Rhodesia’s time and Smith refused to accede to this and consequently caught them on the hop with his own Unilateral Declaration of Independence.This caused shock waves around the world and was mutiny of the highest order. The British imposed sanctions and are on record for saying that Smith’s Rhodesia wouldn’t last six weeks. Unfortunately Smith was branded a racist when nothing could be further from the truth and consequently this earned him a universally hostile press.Mistake?
life. They perceived him as pedestrian and humourless and failed to recognise that he knew his people and had a keen astute mind. The press were quick to ridicule him and print pictures completely out of context with misleading headlines.Victoria Falls.
An awe inspiring sight?
One of the seven natural wonders of the world and on the border of Zimbabwe (Rhodesia) and Zambia (Northern Rhodesia). In the Ndebele language spoken by the Matabele people of Zimbabwe it is called ‘ Mosia au tunya ‘ which simply means ‘ The Smoke that Thunders.’ Very aptly named as if you are on foot, you can hear it and see the mist from miles away.
The Mashonaland countryside.
Unusual?
So different and so beautiful? Rhodesia’s most affluent province.
Pre- Independence Flag.
Still colonial.
The Rhodesian Flag as it was prior to Independence, showing the Union Jack on the left and the Rhodesian coat of arms on the right. Very similar to the Australian and New Zealand Flags.
The Smith years.
Great times.
perceived in this way.I think that Rhodesians were mistakenly aligned by the free world with the apartheid system in South Africa when the realities were so different. It was never, ever, official Rhodesian policy to deny blacks. The Rhodesian argument was that at that time they were not ready for government and more time was needed. In my introduction I tried to say that you had to look at things within the context of the times. Now within the context of the times the indigenous population were still concerned with their own tribal structures and largely were not interested in western beliefs and education. However after the advent of the second world war their perceptions changed and now they were becoming increasingly more interested.By the time Smith attained power this was reaching fever pitch and he was left holding the can over issues which were not of his making amongst these being the African Nationalists taking up arms. Actually this started in 1962, and he only became Prime Minister in 1964,so how could he be blamed for starting a war with his declaration of independence in 1965?As it turned out as fast as Smith could build schools for them the terrorists burned them and true to course this was Smith’s fault and not theirs.UDI.
A test.
making extravagant statements. Certain African states were demanding an immediate invasion by British forces. If only they could have had a bird’s eye view of Rhodesia, they would have realised the stupidity of their behaviour, because things were completely normal and calm, an oasis of peace in an otherwise turbulent continent.Post Independence Rhodesian flag.
The new flag.
Beautiful. Oh, when the Saints, go marching in.
Rhodesia.
So proud to be Rhodesian and I always will be.
subsequent stand after it made him increasingly more popular and this was to stand us in good stead in breaking sanctions.Wilson sent warships to the Mozambique coast in an attempt to prevent tankers dropping off oil,petrol etc. at their ports which was destined for Rhodesia. This backfired and gave Smith even more support. Oddly enough sanctions were backfiring as well because instead of importing products from Britain we started making them ourselves and whereas we had largely been an Agricultural nation, now Industry was starting to take off as well. I distinctly remember this because initially they were so terrible that people were joking;”if we got to put up with this stuff then bring back the British.”Isn’t there an expression along the lines of politics make strange bedfellows because whilst the Russians were busy arming the terrorists they were desperate for our Chrome?Unfortunately the first white farmer was attacked by terrorists and his daughter injured in 1972 and this brought a sobering effect on all. Up until this time the security forces had managed to keep them in check.Beginning of the end.
History overtakes. 
The Kariba Dam Wall.
Completed in 1958 and built to provide hydro-electric power for Northern and Southern Rhodesia now known as Zambia and Zimbabwe respectively.
At the time was the largest man made lake in the world.
Settlement Attempts.
Always trying.
The Home-Smith agreement in 1972.Vorster and Detente in 1974-75.Now I need to make this as short as possible as this is not a History lesson, just a recollection. Funnily enough Ian Smith was Kissinger’s wife, Nancy’s, hero.
The long and short of all this is South Africa had even more trouble than Rhodesia at this time and was the powerhouse of the 
region. The South African army was trying to control the terrorist incursion in South West Africa, alongside trying to back the pro Western leader Savimbi against the Soviet backed leader amongst the warring factions in Angola. This was causing problems among the super powers of the time, namely America and the U.S.S.R. and Cuban troops were helping the Soviet faction. So Kissinger made a visit to South Africa at which Smith was ordered to attend.
Meanwhile the South African leader Vorster was busy trying to curry up favour amongst newly Independent black led governments in certain African states and was his pet like at the time trying to give South Africa time and breathing space.
Smith was seen as the problem with his uncompromising views. He was a very strong man and as usual everything was seen as his fault, all evidence to the contrary notwithstanding.
So Kissinger told him that, if the Rhodesian and South Africans combined forces joined, they could quite easily take all of Africa up to the Equator. However he was unsure if they could defeat Cuban forces. Consequently if they got the better of Cuba, then the U.S.S.R. would have to come to the assistance of Cuba, which meant, America, would have to come in to assist the SA, Rhodesian forces. Now here’s the deal. There is no way America is going to help. Somewhere about this time he got Nancy to come in and shake her hero’s hand.
The price?
Rhodesia had to go.
To sweeten the deal and make Smith toe the line, Vorster cut off Rhodesia’s fuel supplies. A small landlocked country which already had had it’s supplies cut off from the new leadership in Mozambique now had it done again. This after supporting the Western world at all times and taking a lone, courageous, stand against the evils of communism.
John Steinbeck’s immortal words in the Grapes of Wrath sum it up best;
“There is a crime here that goes beyond denunciation, there is a sorrow here, that weeping cannot symbolise.”
A tribute to Ian Douglas Smith.
All this without any foreign aid.The Rhodesian Armed Forces were rated as the best counter insurgency troops in the world. It’s airforce although using outmoded equipment was rated just as highly and they were considered as exceptionally skilled pilots. The police force still went unarmed except when called out on anti-terrorist patrols.
Without a shadow of a doubt, it had the best inter-racial relationships in the whole of Africa, if not the World. To my dying day I will stand by that. Furthermore the Rhodesian Army was 80% black which should give everyone pause for thought. How could this be?
Zimbabwe-Rhodesia.
Still not good enough?
different sections of the countries community.However despite the terrorists always insisting that they were freedom fighters, fighting for black majority rule. Now that this had been achieved they still were not happy and the war continued. I wonder why?Meanwhile despite Bishop Muzorewa making genuine attempts to solve these problems a certain Robert Mugabe was trying to drum up world favour towards himself despite all of his utterings sounding like they were straight out of the worst of the communist manifesto. Lo and behold, the free world fell for this.It became so bad that the British insisted on more talks between parties, although why they insisted is once again, beyond me.This became known as the Lancaster House Agreement and by no means was it the last betrayal.
The Final Betrayal.
A Farce.
Therefore they decided more talks were needed. Smith was asked by Muzorewa to attend on an advisor capacity.Whenever Mugabe did not get his own way, he stormed out of the proceedings ( a well known communist tactic).Eventually it was decided that new elections must be held. A British led ombudsman would take over the country and a United Nations Peace keeping force would ensure that the elections were free and fair along with observers. The Zimbabwe Rhodesian armed forces had to withdraw from all operational areas and be confined to barracks. By the same token the ‘Freedom Fighters’ were to be held in the protective villages. As throughout most of the war the terrorists largely were killing their own people ( simple tribesman ) and operating mainly at night. The security forces build these so that the tribes-people could have somewhere safe to stay at night protected by them and in the morning return to their land.As it turned out just prior to the election there were 3000 freedom fighters in the protected villages. The vote went ahead and Mugabe got a landslide victory despite there being widespread evidence of voter intimidation. The ombudsman had over a 1000 affidavits relating to this and when questioned by Smith as to why he was not acting on this replied;Smith and Mugabe.
Deprived of citizenship.
spoke to him again.Mugabe’s rule quickly became steeped in bloodshed whilst he was ensuing that nobody could oppose him. His history of what he did to the Matabele is well documented and was a disgrace to humankind. Oddly you never heard a word from the free press who were so quick to denigrate Smith.The press could never understand why blacks of all persuasions were constantly seeking Smiths advice and his popularity was ever increasing. Perhaps it was because they had always had him wrong in the first place? But the people knew and a small but beautiful little country in Africa, handed to Mugabe on a plate was being systematically ruined and they didn’t like this.Mugabe deprived Smith of his citizenship in 2002. That is quite beyond understanding.I’m not going to go into too much more detail about Mugabe except to say that nothing no longer really works. The great Kariba hydro-electric scheme is in ruins, the farms no longer exist, the telephones and basic infrastructure are ruined. The population is on the face of mass starvation and you now need around 6 million Zimbabwe dollars to buy one US dollar and inflation is at a million%.Since first penning this epistle, the monetary woes have changed somewhat and Zimbabwe is now using the American dollar as it’s currency.
Finally the very same people who were so ecstatic when he came to power are beginning to see the light and are busy trying trying to denounce him.
The Last Post.
white pensioners, very close to where Cecil John Rhodes died almost a century earlier.A much maligned man for his unrepentant views, although even his worst detractors knew him as, completely and utterly, incorruptible.He loved his country passionately and at great cost to himself always stood true to this.
For Michelle Ferreira.
Rhodesia was the country that Britain SHOULD have been but never was – well governed, with a superbly managed economy and the rule of law upheld, plus a hard-working, caring society with a fierce sense of fairness. Perhaps that's why successive British governments were so determined to destroy it!
Something in what you have said here Murray and thank you.
PLEASE LET THE TRUTH BE KNOWN .IN TO DAYS RHODESIA!!
I CHALLENGE YOU ,DICTATOR MUGABE!!!!!
Spook – there aren't words to describe the utter cruelty not only of the war, but being sold out. There are also not enough words to describe how well you've recorded the events with detail that is so necessary – especially for those of us who lived through it all. You've effectively brought back Rhodesia as it was and culminated with great truths – it's brought out emotions combined with admiration. You need to write a book – and thanks for this great piece of work!
Thank you and now you have brought tears to these old eyes. Those were the days my friend we thought they'd never end, oh yes those were the days. Mamas and Pappas I think?
They were Doc – I always say that never knowing what would happen, I took so much for granted… again – a brilliant article which I'll treasure!
Thank you.
Not Mamas and Papas,Mary Hopkin,lovely lyrics.
Ah, and thank you Jo.
For Michelle Ferreira.
Rhodesia was the country that Britain SHOULD have been but never was – well governed, with a superbly managed economy and the rule of law upheld, plus a hard-working, caring society with a fierce sense of fairness. Perhaps that’s why successive British governments were so determined to destroy it!
Something in what you have said here Murray and thank you.
Spook – there aren’t words to describe the utter cruelty not only of the war, but being sold out. There are also not enough words to describe how well you’ve recorded the events with detail that is so necessary – especially for those of us who lived through it all. You’ve effectively brought back Rhodesia as it was and culminated with great truths – it’s brought out emotions combined with admiration. You need to write a book – and thanks for this great piece of work!
Thank you and now you have brought tears to these old eyes. Those were the days my friend we thought they’d never end, oh yes those were the days. Mamas and Pappas I think?
They were Doc – I always say that never knowing what would happen, I took so much for granted… again – a brilliant article which I’ll treasure!
Thank you.
A truly important story. I say that where Kissinger goes, evil follows and sticks around for decades, if not longer. The word racism is a tool bandied about by those who have no respect for human life of any kind, and used as a crow-bar to perpetuate their own agendas on otherwise free people. We do, still, have true statesmen like Ian Smith, equally vilified as racists for even worse reasons than he, yet what they can accomplish for their people and the countries they love is more feared than terrorists themselves. So strange.
I have to agree with you. The things some people believe in these days are most odd?
A truly important story. I say that where Kissinger goes, evil follows and sticks around for decades, if not longer. The word racism is a tool bandied about by those who have no respect for human life of any kind, and used as a crow-bar to perpetuate their own agendas on otherwise free people. We do, still, have true statesmen like Ian Smith, equally vilified as racists for even worse reasons than he, yet what they can accomplish for their people and the countries they love is more feared than terrorists themselves. So strange.
I have to agree with you. The things some people believe in these days are most odd?
As you and Michelle have aptly implied, there are truly no adequate words to describe the utter sellout and loss experienced by all the true Rhodies who built, supported and fought to defend such a great country only to have it literally jerked out from under you and gifted over to the worst kind of despot in Mugabe. The worst catalysts of terror in this world then (and now) are the irresponsible talking heads of the media who are bleeding heart liberals using the classic Marxist tactic of pitting the poor, the uneducated, the minority against any wealthy, racist system that works long enough… and successfully enough to create a healthy economy. Ironically, there is hardly ever much worldwide interest unless there are valuable resources to be won. Now it seems many well spoken, attractive nuts with charisma who can't make it in hollywood show up as broadcasters who find they can make a good living leading the chorus for some bleeding heart cause on the worldwide screen… Tear it down… redistribute the wealth…and to hell with the truth! I have great respect and admiration for this article, for Ian Smith, and for all of you who made pre-Mugabe Rhodesia, the model country it was and for the pride you still carry high of being Rhodesian!
John you are so erudite and intelligent and thank you for this wonderful comment and visit. Wish there were more like you and running for President. We sure as hell all need a good old dose of common sense.
As you and Michelle have aptly implied, there are truly no adequate words to describe the utter sellout and loss experienced by all the true Rhodies who built, supported and fought to defend such a great country only to have it literally jerked out from under you and gifted over to the worst kind of despot in Mugabe. The worst catalysts of terror in this world then (and now) are the irresponsible talking heads of the media who are bleeding heart liberals using the classic Marxist tactic of pitting the poor, the uneducated, the minority against any wealthy, racist system that works long enough… and successfully enough to create a healthy economy. Ironically, there is hardly ever much worldwide interest unless there are valuable resources to be won. Now it seems many well spoken, attractive nuts with charisma who can’t make it in hollywood show up as broadcasters who find they can make a good living leading the chorus for some bleeding heart cause on the worldwide screen… Tear it down… redistribute the wealth…and to hell with the truth! I have great respect and admiration for this article, for Ian Smith, and for all of you who made pre-Mugabe Rhodesia, the model country it was and for the pride you still carry high of being Rhodesian!
John you are so erudite and intelligent and thank you for this wonderful comment and visit. Wish there were more like you and running for President. We sure as hell all need a good old dose of common sense.
A great presentation there Spook. It's just so sad that these "apologist leftist wastes of humanity" have been so indoctrinated by the politicians that they cannot see the truth when it is staring them in the face ie the reversal of evolution and taking great strides backwards.
Life continues as it always has where a nation battles it's way to the top of the heap and then due to "over-civilizing" let's down it's guard, relaxes and gets usurped by ruthless savages with no morals. We (Rhodesia) just happened to be the glass beads and shiny mirrors offering of the first world to the third world as a present/apology for enslaving them. Although they know and see the truth they will never admit to it – and you can bet they don't even lose any sleep over it.
That is what puzzles me Peter Blair Whitfield, how their conscience lets them sleep at night?
A great presentation there Spook. It’s just so sad that these “apologist leftist wastes of humanity” have been so indoctrinated by the politicians that they cannot see the truth when it is staring them in the face ie the reversal of evolution and taking great strides backwards.
Life continues as it always has where a nation battles it’s way to the top of the heap and then due to “over-civilizing” let’s down it’s guard, relaxes and gets usurped by ruthless savages with no morals. We (Rhodesia) just happened to be the glass beads and shiny mirrors offering of the first world to the third world as a present/apology for enslaving them. Although they know and see the truth they will never admit to it – and you can bet they don’t even lose any sleep over it.
That is what puzzles me more than anything else Peter, how their conscious lets them sleep at night? Thank you for your visit and comment.
That is what puzzles me @[662671982:2048:Peter Blair Whitfield], how their conscience lets them sleep at night?
Isn't it so much easier to destroy than to build? The mindset of people anymore is only to tear down and never build up. Insults, emotional pressure, political games, hidden agendas… all of it is clearly destructive. No many how many people suffer, no matter how much bloodshed, war, and suffering we inflict on our fellow man, it seems that those who can destroy take too much pleasure out of, more than they take pleasure in the well being and improvement of those around them.
That's exactly what is wrong, yet fools can't help voting them into positions of power?
Because the powers in charge of the political parties refuse to run or support candidates that will do anything else. We need to outlaw parties and the money machines that fund them, put every candidate on public funds, and force them to run as representatives of the people, not of every other interest under the sun except them.
Amen.
Isn’t it so much easier to destroy than to build? The mindset of people anymore is only to tear down and never build up. Insults, emotional pressure, political games, hidden agendas… all of it is clearly destructive. No many how many people suffer, no matter how much bloodshed, war, and suffering we inflict on our fellow man, it seems that those who can destroy take too much pleasure out of, more than they take pleasure in the well being and improvement of those around them.
That’s exactly what is wrong, yet fools can’t help voting them into positions of power?
Because the powers in charge of the political parties refuse to run or support candidates that will do anything else. We need to outlaw parties and the money machines that fund them, put every candidate on public funds, and force them to run as representatives of the people, not of every other interest under the sun except them.
Amen.
Lots of interesting information, I had no idea – what a great man he was!
Thank you and the world could do with more like him, especially in today's times.
Lots of interesting information, I had no idea – what a great man he was!
Thank you and the world could do with more like him, especially in today’s times.
ID Smith – Greatest politician that ever lived – He and Winston were my favorites and will always be – they do not make men like them anymore- sadly – thanks for a well written, informative piece of work – my apologies though as I had to remove your posting from my FB – I just have this deep need to vomit and spit when certain images come across my line of sight….. sort of reflex action which I am sure you understand! Be Blessed!
The last paragraph is a tribute to IDS Sue. I think you mean the one before which is important because it is actually what the "Free World" supported. How passing strange?
Sorry i did read the last paragraph as it happens – I actually meant the second last para and accompanying photo, but the brain and fingers were not in syn -…. Please do understand, my personal opinions are not as a result of your writings (which are fairly encompassing and generally sound) , but purely evolved from my own experiences and realities – so no offense when i say ; the free world is the same today as what it was yesteryear and the leaders have failed to evolve into anything resembling useful – they are, in my humble opinion, still the same idiots today as what they were then, today's are perhaps distinguished only by their computer literacy skills and hence somewhat craftier – and i know well what they are responsible for today as what they were responsible for in yesteryear – more so today, because their silence has been deafening – as for Obama and his speech – whilst the first section is surely true of IDS, who built a mighty nation against all odds, the second half has me very confused, but then again perhaps its because i am blonde…..but history will judge the one responsible for the willful destruction of a nation and its people…! Obama must tread lightly for the same quote is going to come back and bite him in the nether regions…. Just another Jack on a different continent !! "Just saying!"…
Too true greatest politician
Agree and thank you for your visit Patricia.
Sue Stolk , I know what you mean and he is already backtracking with, "somebody else made that happen."
A true officer and a gentleman.I am honoured to have been under his leadership.
Thank you Graham and weren't we all.
Indeed an extraordinary man…Ian Douglas Smith!
Indeed and thank you Magda.
Indeed and many thanks for your visit and comment Magda.