The Great Betrayal: The Memoirs of Ian Douglas Smith

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Summary: A Monumental assesment on Africa
Review: Ian Douglas Smith led Rhodesia to declare independence from England because England was tying his countries hands to fight terrorism by Communist forces. Unfortunately the war Smith embarked on, one to save Zimbabwe and its people, proved a public relations disaster and the world condemned the treatment of Rhodesia's majority population. Smith's book argues clearly that although his was a government of the minority it was a benevolent government, and one which when history judges, was better then what has been today in Zimbabwe. This book tells this epic tale from a hands on point of view.

History has proven this book to be accurate and its assessments to be wholehearted. Mugabe, who was supposed to represent 'majority rule' has proven to be a thuggish dictator, he has driven his nations economy into the ground so that whereas under Smith the country exported grain, it now relies solely on foreign aid. Mugabe has jailed the journalists and outlawed political dissent. And to boot Mugabe has thrown all the minorities off their land. This wonderful book proves that Rhodesia was far better off under Smith then it has been subsequently.

Seth J. Frantzman

Rating:
Summary: Not in a thousand years can they rule Zimbabwe
Review: Ian Smith is so right about his quote, which was taken out of constest. He said that together with the Chiefs, we/they can rule the country. Them, meaning the African Nationalists, couldn't run the country in a thousand years. Which is now, to my deep sorrow, true. In the sixties, nowhere in Africa, was there any example for Rhodesia to look at. Only corruption, mismanagement, genocides, famine, war, so what should Smith have done! Turn it over to tugs! Now after the Cold War is over, noone gives a damm what happens to Zimbabwe and its people, but the Western Politcy have a lot to answer for. Meanwhile American and European Nationalists are seen as enemies but African nationalists where hailed by the same people.That Zimbabwe still have some economy left and still is working dispite the thieving rulers, is because of the UDI. Which gave Zimbabwe 15 years more of stable development, then countries like Zambia that had Independence since 1964. Zimbabwe is now on the edge of famine, created not by Ian Smith and the Rhodesian Front, but by Robert Mugabe and the ZANU PF.

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Summary: The tragic betrayal of Rhodesia
Review: Mr. Smith a hero of WWII goes into detail of how his successful country (one of the very few in Africa)was sacrificed due to the deceitful foreign policies of Britain, America and South Africa. Although he warned the world of rapidity in turning power over to the African majority in contrast to the common sense approach of gradualism he was strong armed by the so called "anti communist" powers. The result of rapidity is evident in the chaotic state that exists today in a country known as Zimbabwe. As an American I find it hard to stomach what my country's foreign policy helped to destroy (Rhodesia) and what it helped create (Zimbabwe). Men like Ian Smith, Winston Churchill, and Ronald Reagan are special but unfortunately most men do not measure up and it is the lesser men(Wilson, Vorster, and Carter) who seem to be in charge during the most crucial times in history.

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Summary: Informative read about one of the world's premier statesmen
Review: This book gives the other side to the Rhodesia conflict namely that of former Rhodesian Prime Minister Ian Smith who is probably one of the most unfairly despised individuals in the world. Far from being an uncouth racist as much of the world's press would classify him as, Smith shows himself to have been a model statesmen and ardent patriot to his beloved Rhodesia. Clearly the book reads like a Greek tragedy in which tiny Rhodesia is betrayed by its mother country (Britain) and even its friends (South Africa) in its long struggle against terrorist organizations in which it racked up an impressive military record. For all interested in that little country that once was, this is a definate necessary read. After finishing the tome, one can see why Ian Smith so richly deserved the praise he received from his fellow Rhodesians and anti-communist well-wishers around the world. God bless you, Ian Smith, for your valiant fight.

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Summary: THE GREAT "IRONIC" BETRAYAL
Review: What a great story.How ironic that the USA and Britain are now leading the global war on terror-when just 20 years ago-they forced Rhodesia to except a terrorist president.It would kind of be like somebody forcing the USA to except Bin Laden as our new president(or at least one of his American born followers).