REMARKS OF DR. KISSINGER

Tuesday, July 25, 1978

**Dr. Kissinger:** I had a very useful conversation with Bishop Muzorewa who gave me an account of the objectives and the particular provisions of the Salisbury accords. My own position with respect to Rhodesia has always been clear since my term in office. I favor majority rule on the basis of one man one vote. I favor constitutional guarantees of the rights of the white minority. I would like to see a government develop there in which the black majority and the white minority can live side by side, and set an example for the more difficult areas of Africa which are still to come. I favor a solution for the people of Rhodesia by means of free elections rather than by means of war. I favor the right of every political group -- including the people outside Rhodesia -- to participate in this political process on the basis of one man one vote, and international guarantees and supervision to insure the freedom and fairness of this process.

It was in this spirit that I listened to Bishop Muzorewa's account. And I hope that all of the parties in Rhodesia, both inside the country and outside the country, can find a way of working together in this process.

**Question:** Dr. Kissinger, do you think that the internal settlement meets your criteria of fairness sufficiently for the Helms Amendment and the lifting of sanctions?

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**Dr. Kissinger:** I do not want to get into the question of the amendments before the Senate, all the more so since I have been out of town and I have not seen any of the amendments before the Senate. I do believe that the principles outlined by Bishop Muzorewa ought to be given an opportunity to be implemented.
I believe our government should show some sympathy for an opportunity for the participation of all the parties, including those outside Rhodesia, in the process.

**Question:** Dr. Kissinger, are you withholding judgment on the question of lifting sanctions now versus waiting until after elections?

**Dr. Kissinger:** I am withholding judgment on the question of sanctions. I am, however, hoping that our government should give a fair opportunity to the Salisbury accords and the process of free elections and reconciliation, which has significance not only for Rhodesia but for the more difficult parts of Africa that lie ahead. And the United States in its basic actions, not only in words but in practice, should show understanding for this.

**Question:** Dr. Kissinger, the Bishop seems to say that the country cannot become strong while sanctions are imposed.

**Dr. Kissinger:** I have stated my position on the issues. I have not studied the amendments. On what tactical moves should be made from time to time I cannot comment. I am more concerned with the position that the United States takes towards a settlement on the principles I have stated.

**Question:** Dr. Kissinger, do you think the Administration's approach gives the Patriotic Front a veto?

**Dr. Kissinger:** I hope that the Administration gives a fair hearing and shows an adequate understanding of what is being attempted in the Salisbury accords and uses whatever means it can to bring the members of the Patriotic Front together with the leaders of the internal solution. But I find it difficult to understand how the United States Government could oppose free elections without giving an opportunity to test whether they will be genuine.

Thank you very much, gentlemen.