251. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Brzezinski) to Secretary of State Vance and Secretary of Defense Brown1

SUBJECT

  • Execute Order for Zimbabwe-Rhodesia Cease-Fire Airlift Assistance (C)

Pursuant to my memoranda of November 23, 1979,2 and December 13, 19793 concerning airlift support for the Zimbabwe-Rhodesian cease-fire arrangements, the President has directed that we commence operations as soon as practicable, in coordination with the United Kingdom. (C)

In addition, the President has authorized, if practicable, that we airlift a quantity of tents from the United States to Rhodesia, on a reimbursable basis. (C)

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Upon commencement of operations, you are authorized to declassify these orders. (C)

Zbigniew Brzezinski
  1. Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Brzezinski Office File, Country Chron File, Box 44, Rhodesia: 7–12/79. Confidential.
  2. See Document 247.
  3. In a December 13 memorandum, Brzezinski informed Vance and Brown that the “airlift support shall begin only upon execute orders from the President, or on his orders as relayed by me or by my deputy.” (Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Brzezinski Office File, Country Chron File, Box 44, Rhodesia: 7–12/79)