Ahrn Palley - UDI

UDI

Palley was re-elected in the 1965 general election, described as "a remarkable demonstration of political survivial" as the Rhodesian Front won a landslide victory and Palley was the only white opposition member. On November 25, 1965 the Legislative Assembly met following the Unilateral Declaration of Independence. He raised an immediate Point of Order to protest the government's declaration, saying, "Certain Honorable Members in collusion have torn up the constitution under which this House meets. The proceedings have no legal validity whatsoever." After the Speaker, Rubidge Stumbles, declared his support, Palley kept rising to raise points of order and eventually was ordered to leave the Chamber, which he refused to do and had to be forcibly removed by the Sergeant-at-Arms, while shouting "This is an illegal assembly! God save the Queen!"

Throughout the Parliament Palley kept up his opposition to the government's stance on both security and the constitution. Ian Smith described him as "a one man opposition party". When given the opportunity in 1966 to instigate his own debate, he put down a motion opposing the idea of Rhodesia becoming a republic, at intervals refusing to recognise the authority of Clifford Dupont who had been appointed as "Officer Administering the Government" to replace the Governor. He urged acceptance of British terms under which it would recognise Rhodesia as independent in 1968 by describing them as the best deal Rhodesia could hope for.