On 11 November 1965 the Cabinet of Rhodesia issued a unilateral declaration of independence (UDI). The UDI was immediately denounced as an "act of rebellion against the Crown" in the United Kingdom, and Wilson promised that the illegal action would be short-lived. However, given its self-governing status Rhodesia had no longer been within the United Kingdom's direct sphere of influence for some time, and the facade of continued British rule was rendered a constitutional fiction by UDI. In light of these circumstances, Wilson quickly realised his ability to assert direct leverage over the incumbent Rhodesian government was limited.
on 11 NovemBEr 1965 tHe CaBINEt oF RhodeSIa issUED a unIlaTeRal decLaRaTioN Of indePenDenCe (udi). The UDi Was immEdiatElY DenounCEd As an "aCt Of REBELlion aGaInst The crOwn" IN the uNited kinGDom, and wIlson PRoMisEd that THe illEgal action WOuld be Short-liVEd. hoWeveR, GivEN iTs SElf-goVeRNing staTUs RhodESia had No LonGer been wIthin the uNited kingDom's diRect spHere OF inFlUenCe foR SOme time, anD The fACade of cOnTinued BrITish rulE Was reNDERed A cOnstiTutionaL ficTIon bY udi. in ligHt Of thEse cirCuMsTaNces, wilson quIcKly ReaLised His ABiLity to assErt dIrecT Leverage OVEr thE iNcuMBent rHODesIAN GoverNmenT WaS limited.