A Trust Territory?
SIR,—Mr, Wilson's problem over Rhodesia is ex- ceedingly complex. Public discussion and Whitehall studies must turn to formulating a realistic way of dealing with this many-headed hydra of a problem. It is to be hoped that the trusteeship clauses of the UN Charter will not be overlooked. They pro- vide for a territory to become a Trust Territory under the UN by an agreement between the respon- sible power and the General Assembly, the terms of which would be the subject of negotiation. A trusteeship agreement holds out a number of merits in the present situation. Britain would be the ad- ministering authority, thus preserving her respon-
sibilities for the welfare and constitution of the peoples of Rhodesia. The trusteeship agreement would provide the guarantee required by the Afri- cans and the UN that educational advance and majority rule would be automatic within an agreed time limit. Britain's obligations under such an agree- ment to make annual replies to a questionnaire from the Trusteeship Council would answer to the world concern which Mr. Wilson recognises has made Rhodesia bigger than Britain's problem alone. White Rhodesians need fear no lawlessness, since Britain would be empowered to recruit anyone necessary from the Trust Territory for the maintenance of public order. They could also read in the trusteeship agreement that majority rule would be gradual and orderly.
Clearly, it will not be easy to come to an agree- ment on these lines which will satisfy everyone or meet all the problems involved. But making Rho- desia a Trust Territory must be regarded as one of the options open to Britain and deserves public thought and discussion.
ALAN SPENCE
Chairman, National Youth Committee United Nations Association.
93 Albert Embankment. London, SE1
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