Rhodesia anti-Marxist call hints 'stop Mugabe' drive

February 1, 1980

The Rhodesian Herald has quoted former Prime Minister Ian D. Smith as saying the country's minority whites may have to side with a guerrilla leader, Joshua Nkomo rival. His remarks will inevitably be seen in Rhodesia as virtual endorsement of Mr. Nkomo and the foundation of a coalition of disparate political forces arrayed in a "stop Mugabe" movement.

Meanwhile, campaign violence struck a black suburb near Salisbury Thursday with a firebomb attack on the home of an official of Mr. Mugabe's party. Police said a crude gasoline bomb was thrown through a window of the home in St. Mary's Township. The official's daughter was burned as fire destroyed the front room.