I read reports this morning that as part of your Rhodesian package you are proposing to disband the Rhodesian security forces. Assuming this to be true, I am writing to let you know that such a step would, I believe, be quite wrong and could involve incalculable risk to the safety and confidence of all the people in Rhodesia, black and white alike.
John Davies issued a similar statement yesterday saying:
“Particular apprehension must surround the thought of disbanding the existing Rhodesian security forces. Recent months have shown them to be a reasonable force and one whose maintenance is probably essential to any peaceful solution” .
We both felt you should know immediately the strong feelings of the Conservative Party on this crucial point. So that there can be no doubt in the public's mind about our views, I am releasing a copy of this letter to the Press.