253. Memorandum From Secretary of State Vance to President Carter1
Washington, February 8, 1980
SUBJECT
- Diplomatic Relations with Zimbabwe
Assuming that the transition to genuine majority rule is accomplished through free and fair elections, we will want to establish diplomatic relations with the independent state of Zimbabwe as soon as practicable, and to open an embassy there. The establishment of an eight man mission, which we believe would be an appropriate size in Salisbury is expected to cost approximately $1,478,000 in FY–80 and would require no further appropriated funds.
It would be helpful to have your approval in advance so that planning may begin.2