Foreign Relations of the United States, 1977–1980, Volume XVI, Southern Africa

134. Memorandum From Secretary of State Vance to President Carter¹

Washington, February 2, 1977

[Omitted here is material unrelated to Rhodesia.]

6. Rhodesia: Andy Young is in London today and is seeing Ivor Richard and other British officials.² The British view the situation in southern Africa with alarm and fear that Rhodesia is developing into a new Angola.

The British continue to regard South Africa as the key to a settlement and believe that only we have the influence necessary to obtain South African cooperation. At the same time, they are worried that the South Africans will not give in to US pressure if they sense hostility in Washington.

The British will require considerable support from us if they are to carry forward the Rhodesian settlement. The African Presidents are making this same point and I know that Andy will hear it in Africa.³

[Omitted here is material unrelated to Rhodesia.]

1. Source: Carter Library, Plains File, Subject File, Box 37, State Department Evening Reports, 1–2/77. Secret.
2. In telegram 43 from Zanzibar, February 4, the Embassy reported on Young’s February 2 discussions in London. (Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Country File, Box 88, Zanzibar: 1/77–1/81)
3. Carter wrote in the right-hand margin: “When our policy is evolved, we’ll push hard. J.”