 Aside from reinforcing Luso @-@ Rhodesian relations , the Lisbon appointment was designed to secure the African nation a diplomatic foothold in Europe outside of Britain 's reach and to help Salisbury find new trading partners and diplomatic allies on the continent . Among other things , the Rhodesians intended to make up the shortfalls in military equipment caused by the undeclared Anglo @-@ American arms embargo . Reedman , the former minister for immigration and tourism , was also a retired officer of the British Royal Air Force ( where he had been involved in bomber research ) , and an experienced engineer and businessman : all the right ingredients , the government thought , for someone in the position to source European aircraft , weapons and other equipment , while also representing Rhodesian interests in mainland Europe . 
