945C.61/10–3052: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Consulate General at Salisbury1

confidential

32. Dept much concerned effect of reaction to statement attributed to polit correspondent London Times2 qted SR press as reported Con–Gentel 47 Oct 30.3

[Page 314]

Dept agrees that in order reestablish neutral position ConGen and to remove from minds of gen public in Southern and Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland the notion that USGovt is not completely uncommitted and neutral on the complex issue federation, ConGen shld issue fol statement to SR press.

“It has come to the attn of the USGovt that the Southern Rhodesian press has recently qted the polit correspondent of the London Times to the effect that the USGovt is much interested in federation as a basis for expanding private investment in the proposed federated area and will accredit a dipl representative with the rank of Minister to the fed capital when federation is accomplished.

“In view of the publication of this statement by the Southern Rhodesian press and the attn it may have attracted in Brit Central Africa, the Amer ConGen in Salisbury is authorized to state that the USGovt is maintaining an impartial attitude on the question of federation. The USGovt therefore believes it necessary to emphasize that the statement attributed to the polit correspondent of the London Times does not reflect the attitude of the USGovt.”

ConGen shld check carefully wording first para above quote to insure it summarizes local press accurately.

Cable reaction to publication above statement.

Bruce
  1. This telegram was repeated to London; drafted by Feld of the Bureau of African Affairs (AF); and cleared by the Office of British Commonwealth and Northern European Affairs (BNA), the Office of Dependent Area Affairs (UND), the Economic and Investment Staff (ED), and the Mutual Security Agency (MSA).
  2. The correct reference is the Financial Times of London.
  3. Supra.