However, the Rhodesian government was forced to put its internal settlement negotiations on hold during a joint US-UK initiative in late 1977. Van der Byl's public comments seemed to be aimed at ensuring this mission did not succeed, as he insisted that it had no chance of negotiating a ceasefire, described the Carter administration as "mindless", and the joint mission as being "Anglo-American-Russian".Nicholas Ashford, "Rhodesian doubts on Carver mission", The Times, Wednesday, 2 November 1977; p. 8 When a plan was published, he described it as "totally outrageous" and involving "the imposition of unconditional surrender on an undefeated people who are not enemies"."Lord Carver denies he was given 'brush off' by leaders in Africa", The Times, Friday, 11 November 1977, p. 8
