Ian Smith

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Ian Douglas Smith (born April 8, 1919) was Prime Minister of Rhodesia from 1964 to 1979 and led the country to its 'Unilateral Declaration of Independence' from the United Kingdom in 1965.

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Sourced

Today is not such a tremendous day for us Rhodesians. Our Independence Day is the great day. Rhodesia did not want to seize independence from Britain. It was forced upon us.
- Broadcast in 1970, when Rhodesia declared itself a Republic.

Let me say it again. I don't believe in black majority rule ever in Rhodesia, not in a thousand years.
- Radio broadcast, March 20, 1976.

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Attributed

I am satisfied it has strengthened my hand tremendously. Nobody but a fool would disregard the kind of result we witnessed today.
- Reaction to the 1977 general election in which his government was re-elected overwhelmingly.

I would be dishonest if I did not state quite clearly that the proposals which were put to us in Pretoria do not represent what in our view would be the best solution to Rhodesia's problems.
- Statement on negotiations in South Africa which proposed a phased transition to majority rule.

Pushing people forward simply because of their colour, irrespective of merit, would be most unfortunate and would of course lead to disaster. It would mean that Rhodesia would then develop into a kind of banana republic where the country would in no time be bankrupt.
- On the end of white minority rule in 1979.

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