Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XXI, Africa

324. Telegram From the Department of State to the Mission to the United Nations⁰

Washington, January 11, 1962, 7:56 p.m.

1819. US-UK Talks: Southern Rhodesia. Your 2364.¹Dept believes there are essential differences between Southern Rhodesia case and case of Portuguese territories. In latter, Administering Authority unwilling recognize its responsibilities under Chapter XI, while UK on contrary, clearly striving carry out its responsibilities. Re argument contained last sentence your reftel that because info re status Southern Rhodesia not submitted to UN we unable judge whether or not territory is self-governing, Dept satisfied that Southern Rhodesia is self-governing.

Dept did not propose suggest British that they try avoid vote on draft res by threat withhold cooperation from Committee of 17, merely noted its view this likely in fact be only possibility preventing vote.

Dept agrees there would be advantages from our standpoint for Committee on Info, rather than Committee of 17, consider question Southern Rhodesia’s status, but does not agree it would be more logical and doubts Afro-Asians be willing refer question to Committee on Info.

Dept notes UK’s intention not make its case for self-governing character Southern Rhodesia before Fourth Committee and will seek in US-UK talks convince British wisdom contrary course of action.

Present Southern Rhodesian Government making earnest effort promote multi-racial society, outlaw discrimination and substantially increase African participation in government and public affairs. At same time, Federation Rhodesia Nyasaland in midst important constitutional crisis which could result in independent Nyasaland and possibly Southern Rhodesia in year or two. If US Government denies or ignores fact of full internal self-government, position of Southern Rhodesian Government would be undermined, tendency toward disorder in Central Africa would be increased, and US relations with UK and Southern Rhodesian authorities would be complicated. Dept continues believe, therefore, USGADel should vote against resolution, not merely abstain.

Rusk

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 745C.00/1-1062. Confidential. Drafted by Simms; cleared by Reis, Kellermann, Deming, Sweeney, and Acly (ODA); and approved by Wallner. Repeated to Salisbury.
1. In telegram 2364 from USUN, January 10, Ambassador Yost reported serious misgivings on the part of the delegation about some aspects of a proposed Department of State position paper on Southern Rhodesia. (Ibid.)