313. Telegram From the Embassy in the United Kingdom to the Department of State0
2120. African talks with British completed this afternoon.1 Congo, Horn and Arab Africa not discussed except that British summarized conversations with Somali Prime Minister which being reported separately. Atmosphere was cordial but British made no startling revelations of policy or fact.
[Page 494]Focus of attention was Southern Africa. British agreed with US assessment of importance of area and of necessity of showing progress there in order not to lose gains of decolonization to the north.
With respect South Africa, it was agreed that US and UK Ambassadors should consult together and make recommendations as to possibilities of persuasion and pressure on SAG to weaken apartheid. Re UNGA apartheid resolution, we commented that UK perhaps less concerned about public posture vis-à-vis the Afro-Asians than the US. Stevens said this not the case but UK was inhibited by problem of High Commission territories.
Re Southwest Africa possibility of joint or parallel approach to SAG making clear that US and UK could not support SAG in event of unfavorable ICJ decision was discussed. Maud strongly favored such approach but Stevens indicated Foreign Office wished to consider further. We expressed view such approach could be useful.
Re High Commission territories British would welcome a greater American interest and specifically designation of FSO to cover these territories.
Re Federation we emphasized key importance in general Southern African context. British agreed and did not dissent when we expressed view that after Southern Rhodesian elections UK would feel free to exercise influence in Federation and particularly Southern Rhodesia. We explained tentative US thinking re provision of training assistance in public administration and related fields to African nationalists in Southern Rhodesia and pointed out that this designed inter alia to achieve immediate effect of providing constructive activity for some ZAPU restrictees when released. British reaction was not enthusiastic. They stressed rather the need to improve secondary education facilities with a view to increasing African capabilities over the long run. While not objecting to discussion of US idea with Whitehead, they stressed need for caution. UK agreed that Whitehead had not closed door to possible UNSYG good offices and apparently do not rule out possibility that Whitehead might accept some UN role after elections.
One interesting sidelight on Federation discussion was that UK dis-sented from US view that African governments in Nyasaland and Northern Rhodesia would wish to be assured of early African government in Southern Rhodesia if there were to be continuation of some form of association. UK held two northern governments would be willing deal with white government in Southern Rhodesia and that issue was really not one of color. The real problem is existence of Federation in present form which stands in way of accommodation among three members.
Re Portuguese territories there was general agreement on estimate of situation. British somewhat pessimistic about prospects rapporteur proposal in UNGA. We asked them to suggest individuals who might [Page 495] serve as rapporteur. British agreed that we both should urge other NATO allies to make known to Portuguese their concern over Portuguese policy in Africa.
[Here follows discussion of East Africa and West Africa.]