506. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom1
3274. Thursday PM meeting ended two days of talks with UK officials headed by Sir Eric Roll. Last meeting summarized discussions:
Economic sanctions: US has scheduled meetings with asbestos and lithium importers seeking voluntary controls. Similar meeting to be held with chrome importers after consideration has been given to stockpile availability. Voluntary controls on these commodities would approximate 80% US imports from Rhodesia, putting US roughly in line with UK import bans.
UK is refining information on exports to Rhodesia. UK will consult with Embassy London when it has reached decisions on UK export bans. [Page 862] UK considering possibility of complete UK export ban rather than selected items, and thinks this would have its advantages even if US banned only selected exports. US stated it would cooperate in any event in matching export controls insofar as possible.
UK, through consultation with third countries, hopes to raise cut-off of Rhodesian exports from present 25–30% level to 50–60% in near future. Our Embassies have been instructed to cooperate with UK demarches in this regard (Cir. 1070).2
Recent UK financial measures aimed at cutting off Rhodesian credit and forcing cash payments for Rhodesian imports. US has recognized UK-named Board of Rhodesian Bank. US told UK it cannot control private Rhodesian accounts, but US suggested it might talk informally to NY banks to discourage any short-term credit to Rhodesian importers.
US gave UK reps memorandum outlining possible UK legal actions that might cause economic uncertainty and administrative difficulties for Rhodesia.
Zambian contingency planning: Timing of UK mission to Lusaka still not firm. UK suggests Reed should consult High Commissioner when he arrives Lusaka. UK requested information what financial aid, if any, US might supply for maintenance Great North Road, Benguela route, airlift. “Every little bit helps.” US took questions under advisement and indicated difficulty obtaining contingency funds.
On POL airlift, UK now talking of Leopoldville-E’ville lift as supplement or alternative to Dar-Lusaka route. In view December 15, US urged UK to announce or commence some airlift ASAP. US to give UK Embassy Washington FAA analysis joint airlift study tomorrow. If US decides it can contribute airlift, joint planning will take place in London.
UK to approach immediately Belgians and Congolese in effort to overcome reported reluctance to upgrade efficiency of BCK line. UK will report results to US. US to repeat to London Michell’s preliminary report from Dar so it available before Michell’s London stopover. Bridgman will also stop over.
POL Embargo: London’s 26053 overtaken. Scenario now as follows, all pending highest level agreement both sides: (1) UK immediately to evaluate likelihood of Smith cut-off Zambia POL supply, latest info re Zambian POL reserves, effect embargo announcement would have in Africa and time within which airlift could be mounted and ground transport brought into operation. UK then will notify US of its willingness to institute embargo provided US can obtain voluntary compliance of its companies. (2) US will then seek voluntary compliance its companies. (3) [Page 863] UK and US to seek compliance by three other countries involved in Umtali refinery consortium (Netherlands, France, Kuwait), and secondarily to seek cooperation of other exporting nations who could fill the gap left by consortium embargo. (4) Assuming some support three principal other nations, public announcement embargo to be made. December 15 is target date, although obviously difficult.
Copper: UK to send copper expert here next week, probably Wilks, Board of Trade. US told UK it unwilling to consider release copper stockpile, or international allocation of domestic consumption, leaving main area for discussion allocation based on import movements. However, agreed formally there would be no preconditions to discussion.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 16 RHOD. Confidential. Drafted by Rogers and Daniel K. Mayers of U; cleared by Goldstein, Assistant Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Anthony M. Solomon, Mary J. Wichser of AID’s Office of Eastern and Southern African Affairs, Williams, and Assistant Legal Adviser for Economic Affairs Murray J. Belman; and approved by Ball. Repeated to Lusaka and USUN.↩
- Dated December 4. (Ibid., FT 11–2 RHOD)↩
- Dated December 6. (Ibid., PET 17–2 RHOD)↩