UK Rejects Request To Compensate Ex-Rhodesian Soldiers
LONDON, United Kingdom.(News of the South)-The United Kingdom has argued that it was not responsible for recruiting Rhodesian soldiers and blamed it all on the then Ian Smith regime that weaned the country from the British Monarch’s authority.
By Antonnate Mugodi
The British said they do not owe any compensation to these soldiers.
Most of those that are seeking compensation are black Zimbabweans who served in the army or police and were known for notoriety against fellow citizens.
These former Rhodesian soldiers approached the Harare British Embassy seeking clarity on their plea.
Melanie Robinson, the UK ambassador to Zimbabwe said that after talking to her colleagues in the UK it was then made clear to her that there were no chances that the compensation will be extended.
“As you are aware, Rhodesia unilaterally declared independence (UDI) from the United Kingdom in 1965.
“The UK, the international community and the UN security council condemned this move, and imposed economic sanctions against the Rhodesian regime,” reads the letter from the ambassador.
The ambassador said the UDI automatically meant all Rhodesian government forces became the sole responsibility of that regime as the war was neither recognized by Queen Elizabeth II nor the UK government.
Robinson said:
“Given the fact, the UK government cannot take responsibility for the payment or support of the Rhodesian government’s veterans no matter how unfair their terms had been.
“I understand this position must be a significant disappointment for you but we stand with the principles of how unfair your treatment was.”
During earlier meetings with UK Embassy officials the former fighters said they were conscripted by the Rhodesian government and were forced to fight against their will.
“I want to give my deepest sympathies also for this injustice,” said the ambassador in her letter.
Most of the fighters were retired from the army or police when Zimbabwe attained black majority rule in 1980.
Fanuel Muhlambo, one of the former soldiers said that if they had no defended the country it would have been destroyed.
“If Rhodesian Forces had not defended the country’s infrastructure from freedom fighters the country would have been reduced to rubble as former liberation fighters destroyed anything within their reach,” he said.
Comments
About Author
