 The British decided to despatch one of their Commonwealth ministers to Rhodesia for talks during early July , but debated for a while over whether it should be Bottomley or his deputy , Cledwyn Hughes , who should be sent . Wilson considered this a matter of urgency as he had heard a rumour that Rhodesia might declare independence on its main national holiday , Rhodes ' Day ( that year 12 July ) , but this proved false . On 15 July , Britain 's High Commissioner to Rhodesia , John Baines Johnston , was instructed to propose a week @-@ long round of talks between Smith and Hughes in Salisbury . Johnston was given permission to cave if the Rhodesian Prime Minister insisted on meeting with Bottomley , but this did not prove necessary : Smith cabled back on the 18th accepting Hughes ' visit . The British delegation arrived in Salisbury four days later . 
