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

496. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Zambia¹

Washington, November 13, 1965, 6:31 p.m.

707. Ref: Embtels 711² and 720.³ You should see Kaunda (or other appropriate GRZ official if he unavailable) immediately. Inform him we consider it absolutely imperative GRZ take no further measures against Rhodesia, however minor, until you have opportunity discuss matter in more detail with him on basis instructions you will be receiving shortly.⁴

Inform UK HiCom, if possible before you see Kaunda.

Rusk

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 16 RHOD. Secret; Flash. Drafted by McElhiney, cleared by Williams, and approved by McElhiney. Repeated to London.
2. Telegram 711 from Lusaka, November 12, reported that Zambia had requested that its friends, primarily the United States and Britain, provide contingency and economic assistance in order to permit it to impose a total boycott on all Rhodesian imports. (Ibid.)
3. Telegram 720 from Lusaka, November 13, reported that the Zambian Government had that day introduced a series of economic and financial measures against Rhodesia, which it described as “only initial steps.” These included withdrawal of Commonwealth preference for Rhodesian goods and instructions that all government departments refuse to accept Rhodesian currency. (Ibid.)
4. In telegram 775 from Lusaka, November 14, Ambassador Robert C. Good reported that he told President Kaunda that the Department felt it imperative that Zambia take no further measures against Rhodesia. Kaunda responded that he wished to reassure the United States that he was not contemplating any provocative steps. (Ibid.)