 Great personal rapport developed between Smith and his Portuguese counterpart , António de Oliveira Salazar . On first meeting in Portugal in September 1964 , the two Prime Ministers found they shared many common views regarding race relations in their respective countries , Britain 's handling of the Commonwealth , and what Smith called the " complacency of the major powers of the free world " in the face of what the pair saw as inexorable communist expansionism . After hearing Smith 's argument in favour of Rhodesian independence , Salazar privately pledged Portugal 's complete support . The RF called a new general election for May 1965 and , campaigning on an election promise of independence , won a clean sweep of all 50 " A " -roll seats . A week later , Wilson met with Portuguese Foreign Minister Alberto Franco Nogueira , whom he pressed on Portugal 's secret dealings with Rhodesia . Nogueira categorically denied anything of the sort . 
