“We recognise that the future Government of Zimbabwe, whatever its political complexion, will wish to extend land ownership. The Government can of course purchase land for agricultural settlement, as we all have seen. The Independence Constitution will make it possible to acquire under-utilised land compulsorily, provided that adequate compensation is paid.

Any resettlement scheme would clearly have to be carefully prepared and implemented to avoid adverse effects on production.”

Lord Carrington

11 October 1979