Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XXIV, Africa

464. Memorandum From Ulric Haynes of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Special Assistant for National Security Affairs (Bundy)¹

Washington, June 14, 1965.

McGB

SUBJECT

• “Strong” Speech by “Soapy” Williams on Southern Rhodesia

“Soapy” Williams will deliver a speech on Southern Rhodesia tomorrow in Chicago before the Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar Association.² What distinguishes this speech from other public statements by American officials on the same subject is “Soapy’s” announcement (cleared by the Department) that the USG has ceased supplying any arms to the Government of Southern Rhodesia. The announcement of the cessation of arms shipments is in accord with your recommendation of about a month ago.

“Soapy” will also state that the USG will follow the UKG lead in responding to a UDI. These statements are in the process of being cleared with the UK Embassy in accordance with our established policy of coordinating our actions with them.

Rick

1. Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Hamilton Files, Rhodesia. Confidential. A copy was sent to Komer.
2. For text of Assistant Secretary Williams’ speech, see American Foreign Policy: Current Documents, 1965, pp. 677–679.