Groundnut Extension Shows the Way

August 12, 1967 phatic that there was "no conclusive evidence" that Smith, with the authority of his Rhodesia front colleagues, was "prepared to enter into meaningful discussions" leading to a satisfactory solution. Yet Alport, it would seem, thought that Smith is willing to 'consider "one or .two points'' in the Tiger' constitution which he thinks are reasonable. It has not been made clear, however, what those points are and whether they satisfy Britain's stand of, no independence before majority African rule (NIBMAR). Nor was Alport; according to Wilson, "in a position to bring back any guarantee that, if any, meaningful agreement were to emenge Mr Smith would not once again, as after Tiger, be overruled by the extremist members of his regime". In the circumstances, what is sought to be achieved by the Rhodesian Governor's probing talks with Smith?