Treason and rebellion have been committed Jason Mayo, Zapu National Treasurer

Under Mr Smith's system there will be white minority rule, where 220,000 white Rhodesians will enjoy privileges over nearly four million black Rhodesians.

Harold Wilson told a packed and solemn House of Commons the Labour Government would not be sending troops to deal with the crisis.

Instead he announced a full-range of sanctions including ceasing all British aid to and preferential treatment for Rhodesia, banning the import of Rhodesian tobacco and recalling the British High Commissioner.

Both Rhodesian opposition parties - the Zimbabwe African National Union (Zanu) and the Zimbabwe African People's Union (Zapu) have declared breakaway governments.

They have both called upon the British Government to use force to suspend the Smith Government.

Zanu has also petitioned the United Nations and the Organisation of African Unity for assistance.

Zapu National Treasurer Jason Mayo gave a statement before leaving London - where he has been in exile - to set up his rival government in Lusaka, Zambia.

"Treason and rebellion have been committed. The lives particularly of four million unarmed Africans are in jeopardy," he said.

The Kenyan Government has offered support to "our African brothers in Southern Rhodesia", but did not refer specifically to Zanu or Zapu.

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