TNAG-1237-FCO40-1550-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 82

IMBABWE:

EXAMPLE.

SECRETARY OF STATE'S INTERVIEW WITH THE DAILY TELEGRAPH 20 APRIL 1983.

POINTS TO MAKE

QUESTION

1.

Are you uneasy about the turn of events in Zimbabwe?

i) Of course concerned about Matabeleland: killing of civilians:

we have said so. Concerned about tensions between ZANU (Mugabe) and

ZAPU (Nkomo): we have urged reconciliation.

ii) Must remember Zimbabwe Government face a serious problem in

Matabeleland. In part lawlessness and banditry, in part political

opposition pursued by violent methods. Government had to react to

restore law and order. Mr Mugabe has said publicly that any acts

of indiscipline would be investigated and persons responsible

punished. Sure Government realises must also find political solution.

real

iii) Keep in perspective. Senator Dennis Norman, Minister of

Agriculture: "The foreign media tend to concentrate on the minuses

in Zimbabwe and ignore the pluses. In my humble opinion there are

far more pluses here." Considerable achievements since independence:

much still commendable: two-thirds of country normal, large majority

have higher standard of personal security than before independence,

remarkable progress towards reconciliation between whites and blacks,

good racial harmony.