Double standards
Sir: In a statement on the diplomatic status of the new Chilean government, Sir Alec Douglas-Home laid down that the qualifications for recognition of a new regime should be that it was in complete control of its people and territory. On this basis in the recent past Britain has recognised the governments of Bangladesh and numerous Black African and Arab regimes, rather questionably in some cases.
This is fair enough. But then why does the British government not extend recognition to the government of Rhodesia? It is indisputably independent and is in complete control of its territory and people. In addition we have large business interests to safeguard, another qualification mentioned by Sir Alec in connection with recognition of the Chilean government. We are told that the British government does not approve of the Rhodesian government's policies towards the Black African population. Sir Alec, however, was at pains to point out that recognition does not imply approval of the internal policies of the regime in question.
So, in the absence of any explanation we are forced to the inescapable conclusion that the British government has not honoured its own formula in the case of Rhodesia because of political pressure and economic threats. not only from the powerful clique of multi-racialists here in Britain, but also from the Afro-Asian bloc at the United Nations and in the coloured Commonwealth. In short, that the usual hypocritical double standards on any matter connected with racial issues have been applied. Philip Baker 243 Loddon Bridge Road. Woodley. Berks.
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