White quits party to form new Zimbabwe grouping

A prominent member of Parliament resigned from former Prime Minister Ian Smith's Rhodesian Front party and announced the formation of a new political grouping for Zimbabwe's white minority. Andre Holland, who made antiguerrilla weapons during Zimbabwe's bush war, said the Democratic Party would be launched officially later this week. Mr. Holland announced his resignation from the Smith party.

Mr. Holland said the response to his resignation had been so strong among whites that he had decided to go ahead with the formation of the new party. He said it would challenge the Rhodesian Front at two forthcoming byelections.