THE SOVIET THRUST AGAINST RHODESIA

As we predicted, after Dr. Kissinger pressured Prime Minister Ian Smith into agreeing to talks on "majority rule" for Rhodesia, the Soviet strategists intensified their pressure on both Rhodesia and South Africa. A key man directing the terrorist attacks against Rhodesia is the Soviet Ambassador in Luskaka, Zambia, Vassilli Solodovnikov. The media generally ignores the realities of tribalism in Rhodesia, but the Soviet understands and is exploiting them. While the absurd talks continue in Geneva, the original Kissinger "package deal" having been brushed aside by both the British Chairman, Ivor Richard, and the Africans, the stage is being set for what the Soviet hopes will be open warfare between Rhodesia and Mozambique.

Mr. Solodovnikov is a man with a distinguished KGB record and controls a term of highly trained Soviet experts. Mr. Robert Mugabe, linked with Joshua Nkomo in the "Patriotic Front " at the Geneva Conference, makes no secret of his Marxist views, and is calling for an immediate takeover of Rhodesia and the trial of Ian Smith and his colleagues. Nkomo appears to be linked with Mugabe only because he fears that the Muzorewa faction could come to power in Rhodesia ahead of him.

While the Africans at Geneva jostle with one another, the Marxist aim for Rhodesia have been clearly outlined in London by a Mr. Austin Chakaodza, who says, "If independence in Rhodesia is achieved through the barrel of a gun the country will not be ruled by civilian politicians but by political soldiers. There will be no parliamentary democracy, no voting and no canvassing. We are fighting not only for majority rule; the guerrillas are fighting for more, for a new kind of society in Zimbabwe. The aim is to establish a socialist society. If Nkomo or Muzorewa came to power such a chance would not be available."

In his talks in Pretoria, South Africa, Dr. Kissinger conveyed the impression that the African leaders had agreed to a package deal, which included white Defence and Police Ministers during the period of transaction to "majority rule" in Rhodesia. But immediately Mr. Ian Smith mentioned this in his address of September 24th, informing Rhodesians of the "Kissinger package"; the African leaders repudiated his statement. They claimed that they had supported only the general theme of "majority rule", with details to be worked out later by the British Government.

Dr. Kissinger went on TV to make a most ambiguous statement, refusing to be specific about his own agreement with the Rhodesian Prime Minister. Demonstrating an almost pathological hatred of Ian Smith, the British Government is, through Mr. Ivor Richard, making it clear that it will continue pandering to every demand by extreme African politicians who only represent a small minority of Rhodesian blacks.

Perhaps one of the few virtues of the Geneva conference is that it is revealing to the world just how impossible the Nkomos and their like are, with a consequent growing sympathy with Prime Minister Ian Smith, whose reasonable and low key manner is having a growing impact throughout the Western world.

With thousands of African refugees fleeing from Soviet controlled Angola, and Mozambique under Samora Machel also rapidly being consolidated under Soviet control, the Southern African picture is now so clear that realities cannot be denied. The only question to be decided now is whether Western nations are going to stand idly by and permit the Soviet strategists to reach their ultimate objective: the control of South Africa following the planned destruction of Rhodesia. At the very least the Fraser Government should withdraw all promised support to Mozambique while that state is being used as a Soviet base for attacking Rhodesia.

THE DESPERATE FRASER GOVERNMENT

As we commented last week, devaluation by the Fraser Government was a desperate but futile attempt to halt the finance economic rot. Like all non-Communist Governments, the Fraser Government is fast coming to the end of the road. The electoral backlash in Japan, generally in favour of the Socialists, was the result not merely of the Lockheed scandal, but of concern about continuing inflation, unemployment and economic dislocation.

While Mr. Fraser Mr. Lynch keep talking about how inflation has been "controlled" in the United States, inflation has in fact started to rise again while unemployment is 8%. Within the framework of present financial rules, only some minor tinkering is possible without any real benefits. The Fraser Government can reduce some tariffs and make some minor tax concessions, but these moves can at best only slow the new surge of inflation resulting from a large devaluation. If the Government succeeds in having the Arbitration Commission take the tough line on wages advocated by Mr. Fraser, wage indexation would almost certainly break down, followed by industrial chaos.

If Australia is to avert the fate now threatening the British, a complete breakdown leading to the creation of a collectivist totalitarian State, the first essential is for the Federal Government to take immediate action to reduce financial costs. Not one cent has been taken off financial costs since the Fraser Government came to office. Not even off the massive postal charges imposed by the Whitlam Government. The complete abolition of Sales Tax would be an encouraging first step. A whole range of basic items in the economy could be reduced in price by the use of consumer price discounts. There would be an increased consumer demand, with both consumers and producers benefiting. Confidence would start to recover.

Unless the Fraser Government takes some steps before Christmas to lower financial costs, Australia will enter the New Year fast heading towards a collapse in national morale.

BRIEF COMMENTS

ACTU President, Mr. Hawke, says that the Trade Union movement was willing to discuss a short wage price freeze if the Government cuts indirect taxation. Mr. Hawke correctly says, "A reduction in the level of indirect taxes has the immediate benefit of lowering the consumer price index.... It is terrifying that we are confronted with rampant inflation and worsening unemployment."
Mr. George Polites, director of the Australian Council of Employers' Federations, agreed with Mr. Hawke: "A reduction in indirect taxes should provide the first step by bringing down prices and this would reduce wage expectations."
Yes, we realise that Mr. Hawke is a member of a political party in Opposition. But when he and an employers' representative agree on a sound policy, this should be some encouragement to all campaigning for a constructive anti-inflation policy.

In an electoral talk on Sunday, December 5th. Prime Minister Fraser claimed that devaluation would result in increased economic activity and a reduction in unemployment. It is elementary that devaluation must, in the absence of other policies, intensify inflation. Mr. Fraser said, "Our resolve to fight and beat inflation is stronger than ever." Mr. Fraser should recall the warning that faith without works is death.

The Communist Tribune has listed a Manning Clark of Canberra as having contributed $50 to its press fund. Would this be Professor Manning Clark, currently a leading member of the "Citizens for Democracy"? Professor Manning Clark believes that democracy can be saved by associating with such outstanding democrats as Communist John Halfpenny.

It is possible that Senator Bob Dole would not have been President Ford's surprise presidential running mate if Governor Ronald Reagan had not cancelled one of his toughest anti-detente speeches during the American presidential contest. The undelivered address dealt with the Soviet's use of deadly radiation against U.S. Embassy personnel in Moscow and blasted President Ford and Dr. Kissinger for not doing anything about it. Reagan quoted Senator Dole who had based his charges on intelligence and diplomatic information. Dr. Kissinger heard of the proposed Reagan talk, and used his influence with Republican Party members to have it stopped, claiming it could upset delicate negotiations with the Russians then underway. Senator Dole was also contacted and requested not to use his material. He was then asked to be President Ford's running mate. The last has not been heard of the radiation question.

The only comment necessary concerning President-elect Jimmy Carter's Secretary of State, Mr. Cyrus Vance, comes from Dr. Kissinger: "I have known Mr. Vance for many years and have had the privilege of working with him. He is exceptionally well-qualified for his new responsibilities." But more important than Mr. Vance, whose record indicates, that he will do as told by his superiors, is Mr. Carter's close friend, English-born psychiatrist Peter Bourne. Bourne is credited with pushing Carter to the Left in both foreign and domestic policies. He wants to make Carter the most liberal President in history.