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To those who say derogatory things about colonialism, I would say colonialism is a wonderful thing. It spread civilisation to Africa. Before it they had no written language, no wheel as we know it, no schools, no hospitals, not even normal clothing.

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Notes from Wikiquote

First published in June 1997.

More quotes by Ian Smith

All the soul of man is resolution, which in valiant men falters never, until their last breath.

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.

I am satisfied it has strengthened my hand tremendously. Nobody but a fool would disregard the kind of result we witnessed today.

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.

Let me say it again. I don't believe in black majority rule ever in Rhodesia—not in a thousand years. I repeat that I believe in blacks and whites working together. If one day it is white and the next day it is black, I believe we have failed and it will be a disaster for Rhodesia.

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Attribution

Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Ian Smith (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.