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

537. Letter From President Johnson to Prime Minister Salazar¹

Washington, June 10, 1966.

My dear Mr. Prime Minister:

I was pleased to receive your thoughtful letter of May 11² on the grave problem of peace in southern Africa. Our two countries have enjoyed friendly and fruitful relations since the founding of the United States. We are proud of that history and of our present cooperation in the Atlantic Alliance which we both helped create.

I have carefully reflected on your views and was particularly gratified to note that we are in agreement on the principle of government by express consent of the governed. If this principle had been genuinely accepted and applied in Southern Rhodesia, we might not be confronted with the dangerous situation of which you have written. Even now, I am confident that prompt application of this principle would lead to peaceful reconciliation of divergent interests and make possible a transition to majority government with adequate protection for all minorities.

Please understand, Mr. Prime Minister, that I do not minimize the difficulties involved in the Rhodesian situation. But I have faith that if all those in authority in southern Africa would strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect by word and deed, the forces of peace and progress could triumph over those of violence and destruction. I also believe public declarations of intention and concrete evidence of application would enhance, not jeopardize, achievement of this objective.

We have supported the British Government in its efforts peacefully to restore constitutional rule in Rhodesia because we believe that eventual majority rule is essential to the political stability of the area. We have been encouraged by the resumption of talks looking toward a peaceful solution, and we have cautioned against untimely action in the United Nations or elsewhere which would prejudice the successful outcome of these talks.

I was pleased to learn from you that there is a desire in Salisbury that the conversations prove successful and that you have been counselling moderation. With patience and strength and with the support of responsible men everywhere. I am convinced that just and lasting solutions can be found to the problems of southern Africa.

I welcome this opportunity to exchange views with you and will always be pleased to receive your thoughts on subjects of interest to our two countries.³

Sincerely,

LBJ ⁴

1. Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Memos to the President, Walt W. Rostow, Vol. 5, 5/26/66–6/29/66.
2. See footnote 2, Document 535.
3. In telegram 765 from Lisbon, June 25, Charge Harvey R. Wellman reported that he delivered the President’s letter to Salazar on June 24. (Department of State, Central Files, POL 16 RHOD)
4. Printed from a copy that indicates Johnson signed the original.