Telegram from a U.S. Department of State press briefing clarifying that Bayard Rustin, along with Al Lowenstein, is not a U.S. government representative but is valued for sharing independent observations from Southern Africa. The briefing emphasized that the U.S. maintains informal contacts with individuals traveling to and from Rhodesia but has not shifted official policy. The U.S. continues to oppose Rhodesian military actions in neighboring countries and urges all parties toward reconciliation through dialogue.
In 1979, Rustin’s involvement as an independent observer provided critical insights into Rhodesia’s ongoing political situation during its transition period. The U.S. government’s cautious approach reflects Cold War geopolitics and the sensitivities around Rhodesian sovereignty, while Rustin’s role underscores his unique position as a non-governmental actor influencing discussions on African decolonization and diplomacy.
U.S. Department of State, “Telegram: Bayard Rustin’s Role Clarified in U.S. Informal Contacts on Rhodesia,” June 5, 1979, National Archives, accessed September 26, 2025, https://aad.archives.gov/aad/createpdf?rid=184310&dt=2776&dl=2169.
