 Smith organised a meeting with Johnston , starting at 09 : 00 on 18 August , where he informed the British High Commissioner that he had considered the Lisbon appointment extensively , with the help of Dupont , several legal advisers , and a judge of the Rhodesian High Court . The judge had examined the relevant documents , and had come to the conclusion that Dupont 's interpretation of them was correct . Smith therefore felt certain that Reedman 's appointment was legitimate so long as Portugal agreed . A long argument ensued , with neither man willing to budge . Smith said that he had always tried to be flexible and civil , but that he and his government felt they had to make a stand . By making clear to Lisbon the exact nature of their proposed representative , and informing Britain of their intent , Smith said the Rhodesians had filled every legal obligation . 
