Political blackmail of action

London Times Service

Students who want Rhodesian Government scholarships or bursaries to the university or training colleges will in future have to sign a pledge to keep out of politics. If they break the undertaking they risk losing the scholarship.

Copies of the declaration which applicants for aid must sign were being sent to schools throughout Rhodesia. It read:

"I acknowledge that the receipt of financial assistance from the Government by way of a scholarship, grant or loan precludes me from taking part in political activities outside my university or college, whether direct participation of indirectly through activities, originating within my university or college. I accordingly undertake not to:

• • Join or associate myself with an organisation or movement of a political character;
• • Canvass any person in support of, or otherwise actively assist, an organisation or movement of a political character:
• • Display or wear rosettes, favours, clothing, symbols, posters, placards or like articles having a political significance;
• • Ask questions from the floor at a political meeting:
• • Do any other act whereby the public might reasonably be induced to identify me with an organisation or movement of a political character.

"I further acknowledge that if I fail to observe these requirements the Government reserves the right to discontinue any further payments of such scholarship loan or grant as may have been awarded to me by it."

Mr Arthur Smith, the Educating Minister, said the new regulations would apply to all students who receive help.