573. Letter From President Johnson to President Kaunda1
Dear Mr. President:
I much appreciated your thoughtful letter about the recent talks between the British Government and Mr. Ian Smith.2
As you know, the United States has fully supported and carried out the United Nations’ mandatory sanctions against Southern Rhodesia. We have done this in the hope that those sanctions would influence the Smith regime to agree to a peaceful settlement opening the way to majority rule. We are still hopeful that a fair and just solution—one that serves the aspirations of all the people of Rhodesia—will eventually be reached.
You can be sure, Mr. President, that America shares your deep and abiding concern for the future of the African majority in Southern Rhodesia. I think our own recent history is ample proof of our commitment to human rights. We have chosen the path of freedom and equality at home; we want no less for all mankind.
It was good, as always, to have your personal views on this grave problem. I know you will do all you can to promote peaceful progress and justice in Southern Africa. The United States is working toward the same goals.
With warmest personal regards.
Sincerely,
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL RHOD–UK. No classification marking.↩
- In his October 25 letter, President Kaunda expressed concern that the rights of Southern Rhodesia’s African majority would be sacrificed if a settlement were reached on the basis of the Fearless proposals. (Ibid., POL RHOD–US)↩