Estimates of expenditure for the financial year to 30 June 1978, tabled in the Rhodesian House of Assembly on 30 June, reveal that the Smith regime is now spending well over £½ million a day on fighting the guerilla war. Introducing the budget for the year, the Minister of Finance, Mr. David Smith, warned that "there must be no extravagances, no waste and no disregard of the sacrifices that have been necessary in every home in the country to make available the means for effective security". Expenditure estimates directly relating to security are as follows:
- Defence - R$141.8 million, an increase of 44% over the previous year. (The amount allocated during 1976-7, including supplementary estimates tabled in the House of Assembly in February 1977, was R$98.7 million). The Defence Vote breaks down into Army: R$107.8 million; Air Force: R$28.6 million; Guard Force: R$5.2 million. The Air Force expenditure includes R$3.7 million for security airfields.
- British South Africa Police: R$55.6 million (up 14% from R$48.9 million during 1976-7).
- Ministry of Internal Affairs: The Minister of Finance told the House of Assembly on 14 July that this vote had decreased because heavy capital expenditure on protected villages during 1976-7 is not to be repeated. (Exact amount allocated to security measures not available).
- Treasury: R$16 million of the Treasury vote has been allocated to a national scheme for making-up the pay for men on call-ups (compared to R$5.1 million during 1976-7). The scheme was introduced by the Ministry of Finance in December 1976.
- Ministry of Roads: includes R$7.5 million vote for special road and bridge works in the operational areas (R$6.7 million in 1976-7).
- Defence Procurement Fund: R$27.49 million (R$4.37 million in 1976-7)
- Combined Operations Headquarters (established early 1977): R$202,000 (includes the salaries of the Minister and Commander of Combined Operations).
- Ministry of Works: $5.1 million for defence work. (Previously $4.6 million)
- Prime Minister's Office: vote includes R$4.3 million for "special services", believed to cover items such as the Selous Scouts and Police Special Branch II
- Compensation for "victims of terrorism": R$5 million
These sums together amount to at least R$ 263 million, representing around 32% of total estimated expenditure of R$816.8 million (made up of budget account - R$712.5 million; financing account - R$104.3 million). This overall expenditure represents an increase of only 11% over 1976-7, and in many ministries and departments unconnected with defence and security, projected spending has been severely curtailed.
In theory, the 1977-8 budget falls away with the dissolution of the Rhodesian Parliament prior to the general election. Unless major political realignments occur, however, the expenditure proposals are unlikely to be altered.
