 Hughes countered that he did not believe the wording of the 1957 document gave Rhodesia the right to devise its own representation overseas without first gaining assent from Britain . The Reedman appointment would probably be seen internationally as a major rise in Rhodesian diplomatic profile , he said , and might damage Britain 's reputation , which would in turn make the ongoing negotiations for independence more difficult for both sides . He repeated Bottomley 's previous offer of a consul on the British Embassy staff , adding that the official would not have to be physically located within the embassy , and could set up his own office elsewhere so long as he remained nominally affiliated to it . 
