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Classification and Caveats
CONFIDENTIAL
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despite some small irregularities the elections had been fair
and free and the result represented the views of the Rhodesian
people. If study showed that this was right, it would be
the British Government's duty to return Rhodesia to legitimacy,
to lift sanctions, and to secure international recognition
of the new Government.
difficulties.
We were well aware of the
There were entrenched attitudes to contend
with but Britain would consult her friends including Japan,
the US, and others, and would seek to persuade them that the
conditions were satisfied.
It might take a time because of
the need to change people's minds, but Lord Carrington said
the British Government intended to pursue it. Our view was
that no country, and certainly not the UK, could ignore free
PERCENT and fair elections in which 64% had made up their minds. It
was certainly not for people to decide who did not live in the
country
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Mr Sonoda said he detected some difference in the
-approath to African questions of France and the UK. He
himself would not welcome rapid implementation of the proposed
changes. It was important to pursue careful consultation
with allies and friends and not to rush it.
Lord Carrington
said he did not dissent from this advice but he had to take
full account of the views of the Government's own supporters
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within the Conservative Party.
There had to be a balance
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between this and his assessment of international opinion.
Mr Sonoda said he accepted this, but wanted to be sure that his
position was fully understood.
Japan would keep the
British Government closely in touch with its own policies as
they developed.
Turning to the Vietnamese refugee problem, Lord
Carrington then asked what help Mr Sonoda thought Japan could
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