THE ZIMBABWEAN struggle has reached its most critical point the between the Tory government and the 'front-line' states. A large part of the liberation movement international solidarity movement has been wedded to these regimes for so long that the new tarn could deliver it bound and gagged into the hands of the Tories and their Rhodesian 'kith and kin'.
The Commonwealth agreed the following six stage British plan for Zimbabwe:
*Foreign Secretary Carrington sends invitations to an all-party conference;
*all parties come to London in September for the conference;
*the conference's conclusions are drafted into LIcH constitution;
*financial aid liberation black middle class;
*the agreement draws up an electoral roll;
and the Timetable formerly touted by conference Secretary David Lord grudging unanimity on states is dangerous independence possible transfer to compensate white settlers who leave and to underwrite the emergence of a Salisbury *those same authorities prepare a referendum on the new proposals.
status Apart from the detailed timetable, the substance of these proposals is the same as in the Anglo-American plan other Labour Foreign Owen. And enough the present Shadow Foreign Secretary, Peter Shore, has given his approval. The near these proposals in imperialist circles and their endorsement by a number of black African makes them the The aim of the plan is the swiftest of power compliant black regime, with built-in matter. guarantees for the white population President Julius Nyerere of Tanzania cited an apt neo-colonial precedent: 'In Kenya' white settlers were paid large sums of money by Britain to make possible racial harmony peaceful transition to independence.
There are only two significant differences between this plan and the quo in Rhodesia. international recognition and availability of imperialist funds. The is the participation • of Patriotic Front, or at least part of it. The second factor may yet be the stumbling block.
What pressure and inducements were brought to bear in Lusaka we will not know for a while. Tanzania and Zambia, hosts to either wing of the Patriotic Front and sponsors of plan, among the poverty-stricken African countries. We can only guess at the aid credits offered in return for theil cooperation.
There is little doubt that ZAPU and ZANU leaders can be persuaded to attend the London conference. But what they will then agree to is another Imperialist strategy will rest on the time-honoured plan of splitting the two main parties within the Front.
Dismember Although the Muzorewa regime in Salisbury has already agreed to attend the conference, the white Rhodesian and their South backers are both known to be hostile to the inclusion of Robert Mugabe's ZANU in a final settlement. Mugabe himself has already laid conditions for an agreement - such as the total dismemberment of the present security forces which will be unacceptable to other parties at the Joshua Nkomo of ZAPU, on the hand. was. even Carrington for private talks Lusaka. When Lord Thatcher's special envoy, and the the and Salisbury and month he will thus be able to tempt them with the prospect of a split in the nationalist ranks To ensure 'fairness', Britain, the colonial power, will supervise new drafted in to deal with 'recalcitrant' African liberation fighters.
significant that Carrington had secret talks in Lusaka Indian and Nigerian representatives. down These were the countries scheduled to provide troops under the Anglo-American plan.
In this responsibility there diction between Labour government policy, the 'early' Thatcher ranting asking about lifting in "mature' Thatcher presiding over an Harlech, all-party conference. The main. lines visits of imperialist policy remain identical. Margaret Thatcher with other Commonwealth leaders in Lusaka.
Pretoria later this changed while foreign troops are It may be Jamaican, help to intransigence originally The assumption of colonial no contrathreatening determination sanctions, and 11 E resolve Zimbabwe!
Nevertheless the timetable has dramatically, because Thatcher is seeking settlement before the renewal of sanctions November in order to avoid a racist backbench rebellion It is highly improbable that the plan can succeed in that time; but everything possible must be done to assist its failure. Solidarity action can maintain the unity and of nationalist movement in the face of attempts to split and undermine it.
majer threat is now transparently not a "Tory sell out, but the array of international forces the right of selfpeople Zimbabwe. The solidarity movement Hands