Rhodesian Proclamation of Independence. U.D.I. Declaration

Salisbury: Government Printer, 1965. Very Good. Signed. first printing of the Rhodesian UDI document. SIGNED by all signatories. approximately 50x70cm.the original document was signed by Ian Smith and his 11 senior cabinet members at 11am on the 11th November 1965. replicas were printed and signed at the bottom in ink by all the original signatories. it is probable that only 12 were printed and one retained by each signatory. this one offered is from the estate of B.H.(Jack) Mussett who passed away in about 2009. included separately is the official photograph in black and white of the signing (approximately 46x46cm) it is on a backing that has original signatures of the 12 signatories. the photograph has Ian Smith seated with 15 members of the cabinet watching. 4 junior cabinet ministers did not sign the UDI document but they were brought in for the photo. they did not sign beneath the photograph. the men in the picture who did not sign were Lance Smith, Ian Dillon, Andrew Dunlop and P.K. van der Byl. the 12 signatories with original signatures on the document and photo are : Ian Douglas Smith, Clifford DuPont, William Harper, Lord Montrose, Phillip van Heerden, Jack Howman, Jack Mussett, John Wrathall, Desmond Lardner-Burke, George Rudland, Ian McLean and Arthur Philip Smith. it would appear that each participant also received a signed portrait of the Prime Minister. this is included and the ink appears the same in the signature as that on the declaration and photo.Jack Mussett served in the Rhodesian cabinet continuously until 1980. he held various portfolios over the years including Internal Affairs, Commerce and Industry and Local Government and Housing. . it is believed that he emigrated to South Africa in approximately 1984.. the declaration has a few mild age related marks and spots but it is in very good condition as are the photo and the portrait of Ian Smith. at the time of writing i can find no record of one of these original signed declarations being offered.an extremely important historical document and photo. Our orders are shipped using tracked courier delivery services.