Angola
CONFIDENTIAL
15. Dr Owen said he was interested in the improvement of relations between Angola and Mozambique and in particular the relationship between President Machel and Neto. President Machel's attitude was important because of his influence on the ZANU element of the Patriotic Front. One talked of Front Line
Presidents, and not
enough of Mr Neto.
less independent on the Soviet Union.
Angola seemed now to be
Dr Sa Machado said one had
to go back in history to explain the differences between Mozambique and Angola. In Mozambique there had been one liberation movement, Frelimo, which had been strong, had fought a real war and had had control over substantial territory. The original leader, Mondlane, had been cultivated by Europeans, but had died, to be replaced by Machel. The movement had many people from European universities but Machel was an African who did not look to Europe. Since the movement had been strong it had been able to establish authority without significant opposition, which explained the peaceful conditions in Mozambique. It could keep some freedom relative to the Soviet Union. It was significant that Mozambique had turned first to China and then to Russia and now back to
China. The Government was not dependent on the Soviet Union although there were some pre-Soviet leaders; they were trying to diversify their links within the socialist world.
CONFIDENTIAL
/16.