 The pay dispute split the unit . About two thirds went on strike , saying they would not return to action unless the Army <unk> their wages and paid them in foreign currency . Meanwhile , some of the more <unk> Frenchmen made steps to remain permanently , buying cars and having their wives join them in Salisbury . The Army detained the strike 's <unk> for insubordination . With neither side willing to <unk> — the Army refused to give the strikers extra pay or special treatment , saying this would <unk> Rhodesia 's policy not to engage mercenaries — the disaffected men were repatriated to France at their own request . The Rhodesian Army considered disbanding the unit altogether , but <unk> when Major de l <unk> convinced his superiors that his remaining men were still loyal and eager to continue serving . 
