30 MAY 1969, Page 26

What is an emergency?

Sir : I have generally found the SPECTATOR more fair-minded over the dispute between Rhodesia and Britain than most of the British press.

I am therefore a little surprised by your refer- ence to Mr Ian Smith as 'self-styled' Prime Minister, and by your statement (23 May) that bad we entered a contract with his country it 'would not be fulfilled for long on the Rhode- sian side.' On that assumption, Rhodesia could have entered any contract proposed by Britain long ago, fully intending to break it later. This is something she has consistently and rightly refused to do.

The dishonesty of British governments pro- vides no excuse for presuming the same of one that has consistently proved itself to be honest.