178. Telegram From the Embassy in South Africa to the Department of State1
6645. Subject: Rhodesia: The Rhodesian Raid on Chimoio. Ref: State 289251.2
1. I conveyed the points on Chimoio raid contained in reftel to Hawkins on Monday, Dec. 5. In the absence of Fourie and his Deputy, Van Dalsen, DCM saw next in line, John Becker, Under Secretary, North and Latin American division of DFA. The latter made no comment other than to ask confirmation DCM was expressing views of USG and to say our approach would be brought to the attention of Foreign Minister Botha that same afternoon. Hawkins, however, reacted sharply. Hawkins said that this is another example of America’s “double standard” and “selective morality”. He asserted that the Anglo-American negotiating initiative was dead because the PF did not want a negotiated settlement but only a solution through the gun. Despite this USG condemns Rhodesia for taking defensive action. I told Hawkins that Rhodesians deceive themselves if they think that the Anglo-American effort is dead. It is very much alive and is being pursued. There can be no justification for the Chimoio in terms of the long-term interests of whites in Rhodesia despite any immediate advantage that might have been gained.
2. Hawkins countered that the raids were specifically aimed to spoil the PF offensive which was being planned for the start of the rainy season. At the two centers hit some 3,000 guerrillas were being assembled and supplied with the arms coming mostly from Maputo. [Page 519] If they had been allowed to infiltrate Rhodesia, it would have taken 18 months to root them out with untold loss of life in Rhodesia among whites and blacks. It is tragic if women and children were hurt during the raids, but clearly the exercise was pre-emptive action against guerrilla concentrations.
3. I repeated arguments contained in talking points and stressed that Anglo-American proposals are very much alive. Hawkins promised to convey message to Salisbury.
- Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D770452–0045. Confidential; Immediate; Exdis. Sent for information to Dar es Salaam, Gaborone, Lagos, London, Lusaka, and Maputo.↩
- See Document 176. ↩