233. Message From President Carter to British Prime Minister Callaghan1
WH 91031. Please deliver at earliest opportunity on Sunday, April 22, 1979.
Dear Jim:
I appreciate and share your assessment2 of the difficult situation and conflicting pressures we are likely to face in the immediate aftermath of the elections now taking place in Rhodesia. I also agree that the situation created by the elections may present a new opportunity to test the prospects for a settlement based on the Anglo-American commitment to a comprehensive solution through a cease fire and internationally supervised elections.
However, in order not to suggest that I have made up my mind in advance on the Case-Javits determination, I would prefer that your reference to our joint effort be along the following lines:
“I have been in close contact with President Carter, who has worked closely with us on this matter in the past and will continue in the search for a just and viable settlement.”
I do not rule out sending an American representative on such a mission, but prefer that we not say so at this time.
I look forward to being in touch with you in the next few weeks to consult on the situation in Rhodesia and on the timing of any new initiative.
Sincerely,
- Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, President’s Correspondence with Foreign Leaders File, Box 20, United Kingdom: Prime Minister James Callaghan, 10/78–8/80. Confidential.↩
- See Document 232.↩