3 October 1979
Death of John Giles, legal draftsman to Zimbabwe/Rhodesian delegation in London.
5 October 1979
Bishop Muzorewa accepts expanded British draft constitution (11:1). Announces will also accept new elections.
7 October 1979
Smith return to Salisbury to brief Rhodesian Front caucus.
8 October 1979
Lord Carrington demands formal decision from Patriotic Front by 11 October. Lord Jellicoe, former leader of House of Lords, arrives in Salisbury.
10 October 1979
Conservative Party Conference.
12 October 1979
Lord Carrington postpones Lancaster House Conference indefinitely. However, privately indicates Britain will be prepared to offer financial aid for land settlement/redistribution schemes.
13 October 1979
Smith returns to London.
15 October 1979
Lord Carrington schedules press conference, at which he announces he is entering bilateral negotiations with Bishop Muzorewa.
16 October 1979
Meeting between Lord Carrington and Ramphal. Arrival in London of South African Foreign Minister, R.F. ‘Pik’ Botha.
17 October 1979
British Government puts transitional proposals to delegations. ‘Pik’ Botha meeting with Mrs Thatcher and Lord Carrington. Arrival of General Sir Peter Walls.
18 October 1979
Patriotic Front accepts constitution ‘if (they) are satisfied beyond doubt about the vital issues of the transitional government.’ Patriotic Front confirms British and American assurances on land issue ‘go a long way to alleviate (their) concern over the whole land question’.
21 October 1979
Chief Justice of Zimbabwe/Rhodesia arrives in London to attend talks.
22 October 1979
Lord Carrington issues 13 paragraph proposal for transitional arrangements. (British governor will assume direct control.)
28 October 1979
Bishop Muzorewa accepts the British proposals for transitional arrangements.
1 November 1979
Lord Carrington announces he is prepared to extend the transitional period by approximately two-three weeks.
2 November 1979
Lord Carrington presents amplified 41-point transitional plan.
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