CZECHOSLOVAKIA: ITS IMPACT ON INDEPENDENT AFRICA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-03061A000400030018-7
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 15
• Document Creation Date: December 19, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 14, 2000
• Sequence Number: 18
• Publication Date: October 2, 1968
• Content Type: REPORT

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October 1968
CZECHOSLOVAKIA: ITS IMPACT ON INDEPENDENT AFRICA
African reaction to the Soviet-led, Warsaw Pact invasion of Czecho-
slovakia on 21 August 1968 has no precedence in the brief history of
that continent's independent nations. Since the late 1950's, most Afri-
can nations have been too little informed or too preoccupied with develop-
ing their economies, post-independence boundary disputes, antagonistic
nationalisms, and civil wars to react very strenuously to anything not
bearing directly on domestic or regional interests.
Immediate responses from many African governments, leaders, polit-
ical parties, and action groups were spontaneous and blunt. From most
came condemnation; from a very few, approbation. The fence-straddlers
who viewed the affair as intra-European, the predominantly Arab (Nasser)-
oriented states, and nations whose economies are most vulnerable to So-
viet pressures, were slower to respond and were far less forthright.
Other governments, while maintaining an official silence, permitted their
press to castigate almost at will.
Many independent African governments who cherish their own fragile
viability and sense of nationalism promptly censored the Soviet Union's
desecration of Czechoslovakian sovereignty -- even some having fairly
close economic ties with the USSR. By 23 August official government
statements condemning the USSR had been issued by: Burundi, Congo
(Kinshasa), Dahomey, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Libya,
Malagasy Republic, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia,
and Zanzibar.
Among these governments, recipients of Soviet credits are Ghana
(who before N'krumah's ouster ranked second among African beneficiaries
of Soviet gifts and credits, including some military-related), Ethiopia
(which holds over $100 million worth of extended economic credit), Kenya,
Tanzania, Tunisia, and Zambia (each holding economic credit extensions
ranging from about $100 million to slightly under $50 million; Tanzania
also holds some military aid credits).
All governments which issued immediate condemnations, with the ex-
ception of South Africa, Gambia, and Liberia, have either technical or
academic trainees studying in the Soviet Union, Poland, and East Germany.
All could heed the warning issued by General Mobutu when he announced
his government's intention to call home the large number of Congo (Kinshasa)
academic students from the countries which invaded Czechoslovakia: "We
do not want the elite of tomorrow to cultivate imperialist ambitions one
day and envisage the invasion of countries bordering the Congo which co
not share its way of thinking, its culture, or its system of government.
Colonialism and neo-colonialism, we discover with horror, reign in Eastern
Europe, imposed by Moscow.... The Soviet Union cannot rehabilitate it-
self in the eyes of the world." When the Soviet Ambassador called on
General Mobutu on 27 August to deliver his "explanatory message" from
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Also silent were the Central African Republic, Chad, the Ivory
Coast, Malawi, and Niger -- not because of being politically enmeshed
with the Soviet Union, but mainly because of the press of local matters.
Chad, for example, was holding an ambassador's conference, expected a
Japanese trade mission, and entertaining an Israeli special ambassador.
Normal daily fare for the normal capital, but in Fort Lamy no one could
focus on other matters. By the first of September, Sierra Leone had
added its condemnation.
No African government publicly supported the Soviet Union except
for Mali, which waited until 3 September to endorse the Soviets, presum-
ably under pressure from the latter. Some government-controlled press
restricted their coverage to TASS and Novosti releases -- such as Algeria,
Mali, and, at first, the Sudan. In the Somali Republic where a Soviet
trade mission was in Mogadiscio negotiating a new economic-technical
agreement, formalized on 26 August, the press politely attempted to show
both sides of the issue.
The only open support for Soviet intervention in Czechoslovakia came
from the Communist Party of Lesotho (described by one author as "exist-
ing but never of any importance"); the illegal Communist Party of South
Africa; the Moroccan Party for Liberation and Socialism (which replaced
the outlawed Communist Party), while at first expressing solidarity with
the Czech people, later condoned the Soviet occupation as a "triumph of
wisdom"; and the Communist Party of Sudan, which was described as "merely
backing the statements issued by TASS."
African press attacks on the Soviet Union were particularly strong
in Congo (Kinshasa), Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, and Ghana. In several
countries where the official voice was silent, condemnation came through
the press: in Nigeria, the quasi-official voice of the government, New
Nigeria, as well as other Nigerian papers contained strong anti-Soviet
reflections; Gabon and the Ivory Coast restricted their criticism to
press editorials; Moroccan press sentiment was almost in complete con-
trast to the government's aloof stance; most Sudanese media having first
played TASS, did an almost about-face to support Prime Minister Mahjub's
condemnation as "illustrative of his recognition of higher principles."
(See attached sampling of press coverage.)
The exiled Algerian opposition issued a formal condemnation of the
Algerian-Arab stand and castigated the Soviet Union. In Rhodesia, a
"freedom fighter" organization (ZANU) dubbed Czechoslovakia "a good les-
son for puppets." Indicative of splinter group dissensions was a break-
away group within the Nigerian Trade Union Congress (NTUC) which, in a
press release, disputed the "recent NTUC statement in support of Soviet
intervention in Czechoslovakia."
There were public demonstrations in Khartoum and Nairobi, but the
largest anti-Soviet popular demonstrations erupted in Congo (Kinshasa)
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and in Tanzania. In Kinshasa, a large group led by the Youth of the
Popular Movement for Revolution (JMPR) demonstrated 21 August in front
of the Soviet embassy. jMPR's secretary read an official statement
which "invited the Soviet monsters to withdraw their armies of misfortune
from Czechoslovak territory" and called for the World Federation of Demo-
cratic Youth, headquartered in Prague, to launch an appeal in support of
the Dubcek liberals.
In Dar es Salaam, on 23 August, Tanzanian demonstrators shouting
"to hell with the Russian fascists" poured into the Soviet Embassy com-
pound to litter it with torn Soviet propaganda leaflets and uprooted
plants. Following are excerpts from Reuters' account of the demonstra-
tion (from Nairobi):
"Some 2,000 people, led by Youth Leaguers of President
Julius Nyerere's Tanganyika African National Union (TANU)
party marched two miles to the embassy to proclaim their pro-
found anger and disgust at the invasion of Czechoslovakia.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Chediel Y. Mgonja, was
among them both as a marcher and an observer, he said.
"Big bundles of Soviet propaganda magazines and leaflets
were distributed at the start. Marchers made hats out of
them until they became missiles and confetti, hurled with
handfuls of earth and plants at the Soviet Embassy door as it
slammed behind retreating Russian officials. Armed Tanzanian
riot police stood by wearing gasmasks while chanting demonstra-
tors leaped the garden wall with banners declaring 'Russians
quit Czechoslovakia' and 'Damn the satellite aggressors.'
The front door remained bolted, but embassy officials finally
accepted a protest letter through a steel grill at the back.
"At the Czechoslovak Embassy later, the Charge d'Affaires
thanked Tanzania for supporting a people fighting for their
basic rights, for their liberty, and the crowd burst into the
TANU party song. Chinese officials emerged from their em-
bassy nearby and watched in silence."
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condemns imperialism in all its
forms and regards this aggres-
sion as a naked and brutal
manifestation of the worst form
of imperialism.
"4. The 'Kenya Government
sincerely hopes the USSR and
her allies will see fit to restore
the sovereignty of Czechoslo-
vakia through the immedite
withdrawal of troops from
Czechoslovak soil."
In Dar es Salaam, a state-
ment from President Nyercre's
office expressed profound shock
at the news from Prague and
added:
"This act constitutes a be-
trayal of all the principles of
self-determination and national
sovereignty which the Govern-
ments (of the Soviet Union,
.Poland. Bulgaria, Hungary and
East Germany) have claimed
to support and uphold.
"It is contrary to the most
ibasic tenets of international
Ilaw, and is in direct contraven.
tion of the UN Charter.
"The Government of the
United Republic of Tanzania
:opposes colonialism of all .
ikinds, whether old or new, in
,Africa, Europe or elsewhere."
A spokesman at the Czech
Embassy in Nairobi, comment-
ing on the Kenya Government
Statement, said: "We appreciate
anyone offering support to the
Czechoslovakian Government.
It is up to the Governments of
the world to judge the situation
? from their own points of view."
KENY `NAKE
IMP MAUS
By NATION Reporters
THE Kenya Government yesterday branded the USSR
invasion of Czechoslovakia as "a naked and brutal mani-
festation of the worst form of imperialism."
The condemnation was contained in one of the strongest
pretests ever made by Kenya on the international scene.
It was issued shortly after
the Soviet Embassy in Nairobi
had complained that red paint
had been splashed outside the
Embassy gates by persons in
' an unidentified car that called
In the early, hours.
e ?
A Russian Embassy spokes-
man said the paint incident had
been, reported to the Kenya
authorities as "an act of hooli-
ganism."
TEXT
The' full text of the Kenya
Government statement ? which
came as neighbouring Tanzania
Issued its own condemnation
of the Soviet Invasion ? read:
"The Kenya Government has
noted with deep concern the
4 occupation of Czechoslovakia
by USSR and her allies. In
; this context. the Government
of Kenya wishes to state the
following:
"1. It condemns in the strong-
est possible terms this inva-
sion, which Is a breach of the
sovereignty, political indepen-
dence and territorial integrity
of Czechoslovakia.
"2. The Kenya Government
unequivocally believes in the
principle of self-determination
of all peoples. In accordance
with this principle, the people
of Czechoslovakia should exer-
cise their right to determine
their future without any form
of pressuie from outside.
"3. The Kenya Government
Welcome criticism
?
THE strong condemnation of
? the Soviet-led occupation of
t Czechoslovakia, issued by the Governments of Kenya and
Tanzania, is welcome.
F- It may be thought that Czechoslovakia Is a long way
from Africa and that imperial conquests in Europe are. of
" little consequence for African peoples. Yet imperialism
e- knows no boundaries. W * * * * * * * *
Seer *Thus the wisest course for Africa is never to assume
that those who compete for her favour have no ulterior
.1. motives. .
It is not likely that non-alignment will be understood,
for the competing powers do not choose to understand it.
A Chinese face is seen in Tanzania and Tanzania becomes,
in Western parlance, "Peking's foothold in Africa." An
African leader is praised in the Western Press and he
immediately becomes "a tool of imperialism." Such is the
struggle to withhold from Africa freedom .of thought and
freedom of action.
- It is only a few days since Tanzania warned the
Eastern European nations against practising neo-colonial-
ism. The wisdom of this warning has been well Illustrated
e :in Europe this week.
Unfortunately, Czechoslovakia also proves that as d
moral force in the world non-alignment cannot counteract
the narrow interests of the Great Powers,
But the reaction of the governments in Nairobi and
Dar es Salaam does prove that the African leaders' moral
sense is incorruptible and that, poor as they may be, their
support, and their silence is not to 'be bought by neo-
colonialists of any :ideology.
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In LusakaThe Times of
Zambia predicted, "Soon the
disgusting sequence of secret
executions and imprisonments
will begin again,"
President Kaunda described
the Russian action as naked
aggression and accused the So-
viet Union of imperialism.'
1
In Tanzania, the Govern-
ment party newspaper, the Na-
tionatist, in an editorial warn-
ed the people: "Judge people
and nations by their actions,'
?
not by their words."
THE NATIONAL Union of
:Kenya SLudents is planning
a peaceful demonstration this
(weekend if Soviet troops do
not quit Czechoslovakia.
The invasion was yeeteeday
creneemned by the Union whose
president Mr. Chibuie wa
Tsu-
ma and secretary Mr. Maurice
Yambo delivered in person a
protest memorandum which
they handed over to an offi-
? C IA-RD P 78-03061A00040001rierar Russian Embassy
7VA:11.1"lilATIO-li Friday, August 2,3_, 1968
The G 4ase2R.gag7.1IIA-RDP78-030VTAM-11()Iii. N. 40-7
FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 1963 Dar es Salaam
By Our OW7t Reporter
rpm Government of Ghana yesterday vehemently
1- condemned the invasion of Czechoslovakia by
?,: the Soviet Union and its satellites and called for
the immediate withdrawal of .the foreign, troops
, now occupying the country.
In a strongy-worded-s.tatement itsuedIn., Accra bs
the Ministry of External Affairs, the GoVern-,
.ment further asked for the immediate-release of .
all detaine'd Czech leaderS and allow the ?
people of -Czechoslovakia to pursue ln
. absolute freedom the :course which they had:
mapped for themselves in accordance with they
purposes and principles of the United Nations.
'`This until:Allied aggression and blatant interference in the
internal affairs of Czechoslovakia, reminiscent of events In
Hungary hi 1956, strikes a severe blow at the very founda-
tion of international law and poses a setous threat to thes'
security and territorial integrity of small nationts,' the
statement declared.
It added that no artiount of force could suppress the spirit
of liberalism and freedom now urevailing in CZechoslovakia.
"Ipescribing the Invasion as a flagrant, violation of the funda-
mental principles of the Warsaw Pact, the Government
said it would not be taken in by the precrcl. that Czech&
Niovakla- had beery occupiecg at tbe-urgenTinvitation of itS""
Government.
CZECH LEADERS
It recalled that for Some time now, Czech leaders had bean
brow-beaten and intimidated to abandon the policy of
. liberalisation ? which had enjoyed overwhelming support
among the people. -
"The Government of Ghana unreservedly condemns all forms
? of intimidation, threat or use of force against small states
by big powers, the Governrn r neeply uel,lioys the invasion
Of CzecboAlOVakia an act
_ _
fraught with grave conse-
quences for World fr e
Country," the statement
added.
for thia?ominous
don which confronts their
and .errtends Its sympathy;
to the Government and peo-
ple.
AL?AYAM,Khart awn
22 August 1968:
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22 August 1968
CIECHOSLOVAKIA
?TIRE people of Tanzania are bitterly
J. opposed to colonialism. We stand
t firm for the right of all nation states
ts' to determine their own destiny. Our,
attention has been concentrated upon
, the kind of colonialism we know
from bitter experience. Our demand
for the self-determination of peoples
r, has been reflected most intensely in
r our opposition to neo-coioniatisns
Africa.
but a principle is a principle in Europe
as in Africa. Independence means
' that a nation state has the right to
enter into alliances, or refuse to
continue in them, according to the
'wishes of the people of that state as
expressed by a Government responsi?
ble to them. Self-determination means
that the people of a nation state will
decide for themselves the internal
policies fellovied in their country. -
We ate not impressed by talk of.
"requests for help" by "Czechoslovak
leaders." Help against whom? Against
the Czechoslovak people and the
leader whose mass popularity has
been demonstrated daily in recent
weeks? - -
The people of Czechoslovakia have our
sincere sympathy. We underhand the
, agony which led to their Govern-
ment's decision to call for no resist-
ance to the invasion. This would have
led to even greater human suffering
? and death, without hope of victory
'? for the Czechoslovak cause at this
time. ?'^
The example of Czechoslovakia is an-
other warning to the people of
,.. Tanzania. Be vigilant. Be friendly and
Is. co-operative with all peoples and. all
nations. But do not relax guard be-
caM some have asserted their friend-i,
ship and solidarity. Judge people and
nations by their actions, not by their
I word&
CPYRGH
,T
CPYRGHT
CPYRGHT
AL ALYAM, Khartoum, 22 Aug 68:
REACTION OF LOCAL POLITICIANS TO
THE .CZECH AFFAIR
?
(excerpt:) uadLq sa-manal said
"We see the issue from the view-
point of national sovereignty
and we support Czechoslovakia in
defining h? destiny vith:out?
foreign .interventi on...we appeal
to the Warsaw Pact to, respect
this rule....?
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A UGUST .21st, 1968 would definitely go dow
'-cl? in world history as the day when nake
'aggression barred Its teeat to swallow a smal
beleaguered nation of 14 million people., The un
warranted and uncalled for invasion of Czechos-
lovakia in the early hours of 21st August, 1968 by
the forces of the. Warsaw ?act countries is
nothing but sheer. aggression and banditry.
It is a direct and complete violation of the
territorial Integrity of Czechoslovakia, and also
demonstrates that the invading countees,
despite the fact that they call themselves
"People's Democracies", do not accept the mean-
ing and connotation of "democracy" as applied
'among the "comity' of civilised nations".
,For what has. happened i the unfortunate,
invaded country is that the new leadership of
the IAA& in 'urgent response to strong, public
.pressure and demand, have instituted a series of
reforms to make Czechoslovakia more demoera-.
tic, free and liberal..
AS' part of this liberalising programme.
free speech and press freedom have lately
been alloived. Although the liberalising 'mea-
sures did not satisfy the Czech people, at least,
they were In the right direction.
Vet even the few reforms caused considera-
ble agitation in the "corridors of power" in the
Eastern world of dictatorship. For there was
always the fear that the bug of freedom might
spread to other' communist countries. Hence
,the confrontation between the' Czechs and the
other Eastern European countries to persuade'
the former to stop the liberalising process.
We, for our part had been cIcrely fellovrinT
events In the sad country, but had hitherto
Avoided making .any comment on them, espe-
cially while delicate negotiations were going on.
Our silence was not due to any desire not to
'comment on a crucial matter Of international
importance. For post-coup Ghana is a free
country, with a free press. ,unlike the situat:on
.in these countries, where the 'newspapers are,
the official organs of the Communist Party ant;
Government.'
Now, just when it appeared that 'the cause
of freedom In Czechoslovakia wasmaking
DAKT GRA-PitIC,1 Aegnat 22, 1%. Accra
The lessons
1968
CPYRGH
headway, the forces of the Soviet and Other
occupied Czechoslovakia.
Warsaw Pact countries have moved in and
This is indeed a shocking, despicable event,
which is simply unbelievable in its cruelty and
callousness. The invasion of Czechoslovakia in
August 1968, forcefully reminds us of the
unfortunate invasion of that same country in
1939, by the fascist forces of Hitler.
1
ACT' OF AGGRESSION
? We, for our part unhesitatingly condemn
this act of aggression against a small country,
and hope very much that the liberal, democratic
forces of the world would do everything possible
for the liberation of the poor Czechs.
This is a matter which concerns us is
Ghanaians, for our own country under the tyra-
nnical, dictatorship of the erstwhile regime, was
well on the road to becoming a communist satel-
lite state, when the members of the National Li-
beration Council and their forces stepped in to
bring the whole crazy affair to an end on 24th
February*, 1966.
The current events in CiechosloVakia con-
stitute a lesson to us all in Ghana. For as the
Akan proverb goes (freely translated) "If you
do not know of death, look at the graver
We in this country do not want COMMUNISM, and
those Ghanaians who think that they are too clever by
, half, and can outwit the communists by fraternising
with them should take a sober look at what has hap-
pened to ezechoslovaidal
The aggression of the Warsaw Pact countries has
been condemned by all Western countries. Even more,
it has been condemned by the Communist Parties in
Italy (the largest in Europe) and in other Western
countries.
.
For they all see In the action of the invaders a gross
interference in the internal affairs of a poor country.
'which has not asked or invited the invaders into their ?
country. The invasion is not only a violation of the basic
principles of international law, but also constitutes a
flouting of the Warsaw Pact. whieb guarantees mutual
defence against external attack or aggression,
Rather, the Warsaw Pact countries have turned
unjustillabil on one of their own members!
We Join liberal, democratic voices all over the world
In asking for the withdrawal of foreign troops from.
Czechoslovak soil.
Our full moral support goes to the Czech people in
eir boor of need. And for us in Ghana this grave event
has bee4,a,irgry big lesson Indeed.
rPYlae;FIT
No doubt events of this nature are
lessons worth learninc especially by
we the young countries trying to
develop. We should be careful about
military pacts or flirting with some of
the powerful nations which kofess
friendshiA berFinqtagelkowaw CI
Appr e -or
Reaction from militarily powerful na-
tions to this naked rape of Czechoslo-
vakia has been that of "deep concern."
We hope this concern is not going to
lead us to a third world war. We, the
developing. countriea, need and want
time to build our resources and live
in peace with our neighbours.
The law of "might is right," the big
Powers should understand, is practi-
CPYIGHT
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MUM NEWS I
27 August 1968
Dangers
of -
.0lllmunisin
STANt4.111), Tanzar4a
23 August 1968
eyes are now
open ?Zanu
RUSSIA'S CLAIM to be the cham- '
- pion of the anti-imperialist
.',
ways asked the en? tire struggle had been unmasked as a
meaningless slogan said the Chief
world to hear himl representative of the Zimbabwe
i African National Union in Dar es
"Ne. Time and-again: Salaam, Mr. Chihota.
I Commenting on the Russian in-
ONCE again the world. , the N 'gwazi has vain-
vasion of Czechoslovaki, he said
it would serve as a good lesson
shudders as naked ed 'the Nations of the, to those in freedom movements
who had peen blinded by Russia 1,
Russian imperialism ? world, of .the two faced and become puppets to the det-
riment
4
goes on the march. of Communis.m. : Mr. Chihota said Russian ire- '
riment of the cause for uhuru, 4,
Once again the world
We are happy that whe
watches in agony as - ' ? -.?
: others have tried t
another helpless, and
-,disuade the Ngwaz
innocent little country. . ? ? -
-from his policy of n forms of colonialism and im- .
is devoured by Russia.. / i I perialism whether old or new. '
--relations with thes In a series of interviews car-
As Russian troops lied out with the pdople yesterday
blood -thirst villains, many expressed shock at hearing I
continue to shoot, loot ' ? , that the Soviet Union, which had
'he :has ' .stood 'firm I been regarded as being in th
and rape their way vanguard in the fight for equality
1 . Words, threats, entice
among nations and anti - imperia-
into Czechoslovakia, , lism had committed such an
'
. inents? pone have ben , unforgivabl e crime.'
we here in Malawi' , t: Mzee Moshi Hamisi, the Ka-
bow 'our heads in sad-,:
.? ?I. of aTlY v?ail a ? continue he:na: riakoo TaXIU Branch Chairman
,
said that Russia had committed
ness. 'refused and : an Unfolgivable crime against, ,
,
!perialism had all along been ,.
hidden under the cloak of
socialism and communism but the
!latest act of aggression had ex-
'posed her. The action should be
condemned by all freedom loving !
people. Africa was opposed to all
? ito1 refuse to?do any
Since our Presjentf ti4iric,s.P with the
N'gwazi Dr. Kamuzui Communists. ,
_13imda returned td
i,1V1 a la wi and tookNow as we see .standing
lepdership of 'the Con-; before us, with its
gess and Government : 'jaw -dripping with
'CZechoslovakian'blood.
Ile has always warned; ? ?
,,,-
.us 'of 'this. W cthe truly .Rus
'While .the. ?
'
rest of the world has sian Communism we
'.
can only, say:'
sat back and said :11 ? ?
"Perhaps we can getpThank you our -.Dear
i,?Nzwa.zi for standing
along with Moscow".
or "we can hav 'strong ' and erect and
e.
not allowing these
peaceful co-existang,10. ? kiaisis40-04,00pa
? with ?ComAgfligh MalaWi. Lcintlive,
our President has a14 ihel\Tgwazif"
the innocent people of Czechos-
? lovakia who wanted nothing more
than self ? determination.
? Mr. S. A. Pazi, a Kariakoo
'Market businessman said that !
Russia's imperialistic manners
had now come to the' open and
suggested that the United Nations
should do all it could to ensure:4
that weak nations had a secure ,
position.
Mr. Ibrahim Raha, of Kariakoo ,
said African nations should con-
demn the Russian action.
? ?The Soviet Union should be.5
, bitterly condemned on her brutal
step of invading Czechoslovakia,
? In the same manner as we con- -
demn the American presence in
Vietnam.* was the comment from
Me. Salumu Moharnedi, a taxi '
:driver.
He said that the Czechs, like
the Russians and all other people
had a right to self-determination .
d independence. ?t-
-RDP78-03061A00040003001d4
CPYRGHT
CPYRGH
'THE Uganda Government
has told the Russians that
they should unconditionally
withdraw their troops from
Czechoslovakia.
In a strongly-worded 'sta-
tement issued by the Minis-
try of Foreign Aftairs last
night the Government con-
demned the invasion and oc-
cupation of Czechoslovakia'
as a "humiliating action
fraught with alarming Inter-
national implications and
consequences."
Uganda has thus joined a
steadily growing list of
countries who have come
out openly agailist the inter-
vention _which followed the
"liberalisation" policy of the
new Czech Government.
. Government listened to
views from representatives
,of the Soviet Union and
'Czechoslovakia in Kampala
,before declaring:
"The invasion and occupation
of Czechoslovakia by Warsaw
:pact countries is a regrettable
,and a most humiliating action.
; to the Czechoslovakian people.
This action is fraught with alar-
ming international implications
and consequences.
1[En
Ap
"'I he 'first serious implication
is that the action throws in
? doubt the assurances given by
the great powers to respect the
soveteignity of all nations, big
or small and even the sovereig-
nity of their weaker allies,
"The very purpose of smaller
nations agreeing to be members
of U.N. is the implicit under-
standing that great powers will
respect their sovereinity.
"The implication that leader-
ship not acceptable to the So-
viet Union cannot, be tolerated
in Czechoslovakia is equally
alarming in tha:t the interests of
Soviet Union are placed before
those of the people of Czechos-
lovak ia.
. "The essense of leadership is
it must be acceptable not
to the big_ powers but to the
people they lead,
"It is, therefore, to be hoped
that. Czechoslovakia can be al-
lowed to select their leaders
without dictation or direction
from anywhere. ,
"Military or any pacts ente-
red into should be for mutual'
TITJ spokesman said in -
Mombasa voetorriny, tba iho
party strongly condemned the
Soviet invasion of Czechoslova-
kia. The Russian action was .,
a "threat to all nations once
it is established that might is
right."
? Kanu said the Czech people ..
and Government "deserv, the .
sympathy and solidarity of all
nations and people who believe _1
In international order. self-
determination and the principle
of sovereignty among Datilsia.
prolfistri Fituaeleaser/C18/1
without doubt an act of aggres-
sion in an effort to direct the.
Internal affairs an podlciesk of
?71
Uganda
slams
Soviet
invasion
benefits and no: as insa-araccts -
to threaten and subdue the
weaker members. The events of 4
the last few days would render
such pacts meaningless . and,
therefore, not to the best inte-
rest of all the signatories.
,
"Because of this and other ,
considerations, we have today
informed the Embassy of the ,
U.S.S.R. that it is the view of
the Uganda Government that
Soviet troops and those of her .
allies be withdrawn without
conditions.
"We have also informed
both the Soviet and, the Cze-
choslovakian Embassies in Ka-
mpala that in the interest of in-
ternational ,peace and under-
standing in their area, political*
discussions should be the means
to settle any differences they,
may have.",
S JiiWJiIiii
a
an independent and sovereign
N...rt el, cif the L.11,11 tin
of the Warsaw Pact countries
allows for such an act In the
name of internatibrial Corn-
rriunism. One noes not have to
agree with the system of gov-
ernment in Czechoslovakia in
order to give them full and Un-
qualified support in. this their
hour of agohy.
"Itanu condemns in the strongest
possible tenni the action of Russia
and her Alliec If in fact a system
needs o be sustained by the Use
7:Saftntitr?iMMAI?
not worth preserving,
-Tanks and 4runs can kill people
ilkey? esstwipt 41.11 !yeas! They
-?.can delay chanre but tney eunnkn
. , prevent is. ip a.u.wziv?0.0.
? betrayed themsdves and exposed
..a most dangerous hypocrisy and
In one move destroyed ail their
pretensions tt7 believe in human
.rights, recognition of the richt of
sovereignty and the principle of
co-existence.
"We in Kann must call a halt
to this callous disregaid for Inter-
national order, The Russians must
withdraw and no excuses will
satisfy the world :xcept total
withdrawal leaving tl Reodle of
.Czechoslovakia to d :Icicle their
ystem of government and social
ooltai
rAprresm
complett solidarity
with the workers and u_erirailes ifl
the besieged nation.and ii,ant them
to know that at this tinai they are
rant atno....
rt
CPYRGH
DP78-03061A000400030018-7
TUIECOS 6
L'AFFAIRE
NOTRE confrere 1e
Journal Al Amal
publie mi article
de M. Habib Boulares
sur l'af fa ire echecoslo-
vague. 11 retrace Fevolu-
tion de la Tchecoslova-
quie, depuis Fepoque du
4( From national x, Be-
jusqu'au tragique-
mots d'acint 1963.
29 & 30 August -1968
Oroone du Porti
Socialiste
Dest urien ?
rupia.
TCHECOSLOVAQUE
Nous avons juge utile
de dormer 4 nos lecteurs
la traduetion de cet arti-
cle dont nous publions
aujourd'hui In premiere
? partle.
x>eux premieres question'
"%sent e Yopinion Cn
?eerne Ia Tr.';
4; au lens-
Une interpretation
differente de l'accord
de Varsovie
Ci ;.in. inilleux internatio-
naug attilruent ce retourne-
mein: ad% clissenelons? internee
7 qui ;Oen( nt clans les milieux du
commandment sovietique et
au ,,Itriomphe des partisans
de lintransigeance sur Kos.
sygufne. C'est possible 1 .
1
,- MA nous sommea plutet en-
chi e perser que ce revue-
; in est, dft A l'insistance de
, NeWioti pour l'application de
touSF,, les r oints de l'accord de
-- - Xs
Vaseesvie Rt au refits de Prague
dleirerieeter cet accord scion
le;,, vues de Moscou, particulle-
:rement la clause concernam la
protection du camp comniunis-
te (,ontee le peril alleihand.
Pour is Russie, la Pologne et
l'Allemagne de l'Est cette clau-
se siguifie !Installation des for-
ces du Pacte de Varsovie sur
It's trontierer de l'Allemagne
Federal? en Tchecoslovamile. .
cet ensemble de consulera-
Lions explique la violence de la
reaction sovietique sans pour le
moms du monde In justifier sic
le plan moral ou meme sur Is
/plan politique. N'oubllons pas an
eifet clue Dubeek et son groepe
emit consideres, comme je viens
de l'indiquer, comme les mode-
reis par rapport aux autres mill.
NOUS avons publie hie?'
+ /a traduction de la pre-
.,
fere -partie d'un article
l'14:de M. Habib Boulares pant
? dans notre confrere le jour-
nal Al Amal }. 11 retrace
revolution de la Tchecoslo-
vaquie, depvis repoque du
it Front National Benes,
? jusqu'au tragique mots
d'ao lit.
? A,ujourrrhui, nous volt*
'donnons la deuXieme partie
;de cet article., -
?
t,a moderation de Dube*
explique preclstment lea noni.
breuses tentatives tchecoslova-
Mies en vue dune entente twee
Varsovie et plus' partleullaree,
rnent la moderation de is Hete.
tion apres l'invasion de son PeYis,
et les aPpels au calm. lanced_
par see partisans. Elle explique ,
!. awn les efforts de M. Brabode,
i pour un reglement pacifique ad-
emit Moacou.
?
comprenons ies raisons
1 .violence envie-
qui out suscite ltique, la colere allemande et Po-
lonaise et orit pousse in Bulge-
rie et.ltt Howie d embolter le
pas.
Nous cornprenons les raison&
de Fhesitation de la Tchecoslo-
vaquie et de la moderation qui
a marque sa reaction. ,
7 Mats nous de trouvona curie
*lout cela aucune justification de
Vinvasion. Non seulement parce.,1
qu'elle est contraire aux valeurs
internationales et a is. morale,
niaie aussi parce que in Tale-
coslovaquie est definitivement;.,
perdue pour is conununisme tra
ditionnel et, denies Finvasiore
pour lercommuniame tout court. I
meme ci Moscou reussissalt
' imposer I Prague tin gOuverne-.
, tants et que leur moderation 3nent,complaiseat, .
lcur permis (Flexure/. roil
tion d'une rnejorliefeRyigpereor Release 2005/08/17 ? CIA-RDP78-03061A000400030018-7
delegues des sections au congree 6
par HABIB BOULARES;
01?10111.11N
Car l'explosion tehecoslovaque :
;a etabli aux yew' du monde is.
preuve que le poUvoir comma-
. niste traditionnel est un pouvoir
! ..tyrannique bast sur la violence.
M. Dubcek et ses partisans ?
talent &dents entre leur atta-
chment alb conununlsme et
,,lette conviction quIretait Meese',
we.
e saire de delivrer le peuple de
sea chains. us out tenth tine
experience audacieuse tendant 4
1 concilier le communisme avec
is. liberte. Nous ne savons 51 Is.
solution de ce probleme exists
et al elle est possible. Mate ce
' qui est incontestable, c'est qua
, Finvasion a mis un terme trag1-
. que a cette experience que les
progressistes du monde cutter
suivaient avec svmeathie
i
&Atte invasuin a prouve Qull
' n'y a aucun espoir pour un pen-,
pie place clans Forbite sovietique
de se liberer de sea liens?cle de.
' pendance par dee moyen.s pact-,
fiques, meme si sea dirigeanta
sont communistesi lndlscutable?
merit, .conimuriistee eurame
?
groupe Duties*
?? ? ??-? ess eerel'eenr:1.
Je no Berets pas eurpris quo
cette ; conclUsion leCon
Iqu'auront I mecilter-de none'
breux pa.rtis. progreseistee at
plus ?d'un pays du troitdeme
Monde. -
(FIN)
du Parti prevu pour le n sere
tembre. ,
4111%
CPYRGH
.Approved
? ?
For Release 2005/08/17 : CIA-RDR78,03064A000400030018-7
AL MITHAQ, Khartoum
23 August 1968
.41:t"tivtlid'. M-4.6
-
0-4)14.0
. ?
cr--?
2=54.? ..e4t;
jLv Li
LS e,..t.r....a?.1..4.1
JL.ji LJ
eti
r 4t-4.e^,4111.
ee:e. teLf;
ACTION? 'Tunis, 27 August. 19
LES ARABES.F.T LE MARTYR
NASSER IS AN OLD FRIEND
OF DUBCEK !
1t is said that because he
is a long-time personal
friend of Dubcek's, President
Nasser feels great sympathy
with Czechoslovakia. He,
President Nasser, also appreciates
the liberal policy of his friend
Marshal Tito. It is sad that
President Nasser cannot reveal
his sympathy because he depends
totally on the Russians.
DE LA TCHECOSLOVAQUE
? A conception asses Specials
qu'ont certains dirigeants
L. arabes dit revolutionnaires
en matiere de inoVale Interna-
tionale a intrigue plus dun obe 'egalement aux appels de lea- immediate, sans eflet sur lea
servateur, profondement dew ? dors du P.C. tchecoslovaque II . thektrea d'operation. Elle en a
leurs nationaux. Eux qui gel- La dett,e des Arabes viz-?es profite pour marluer son entree
,, , anent sous le poids d'une occu- de 1'U.R.13,8. est-elle d'une taille triomphale, accuoillie le bras ou-
e nation qu'ils no ceseent de de- telle que son remboureement eerts. en Mediterranee, en ex-
noncer au nom de tous les prime- dbive prendre in forme d'une pedient quelques navires - de
eipes hunianitaires et de drat gratitude depnesant lee cape- , guerre au large de Lattaquie et
International, ont passe SOUS rums du creancier, une grille, d'Alexandrie. .
silence l'intervention- sovietique tide au depens du prestige tie-,
en Tchecoslovaquie. Eux, passee tional, de. rindependance, de la La teethed avec laquelle YU.
mattes clan.s l'art de in ?elem. ete equivalent A la trahison 11.8.6. a envoye sa force de
? ,nie centre leurs freres, eux dans lenunillation .? Le encore, frappe en Tehecoslovequie ne
'vete ont toujours battu le record malgre des appals de. , sage:we stiffiteelle pas pour se convainece
de in celerite quand if s'agit, de qui leur vierinent du grand lea- qu'ici, aux yeux de l'Ille.S.S.
mobiliser les inoyens de presse der dun peuit pays du Magh-? eintervention est quasi vitale
contra a l'inaperialisme a, n'orn, rob, certains dirigeents arabes alore qu'au Moyen-Orlent ce
pas encore apples In nouvelle s'enlisent de plus en plus dans n'ast que in continuation de
. de l'invasion d'un petit pays le raisonnement errone. Lee er- cette luvte d'influence sans fin
' d'Europe e Centrale par Uri reurs d'appreciation continuent que se livrent lea -2 Gran& de-
grand frere a. Sans dotiee de plus belle. Xis n'ont pas en- puts 1945 en yue d'assurer un
, le droit d'ainesse est-if reconnu core compris qu'il y va de lair equillbre plus ?ou Moths stable
'dans ces parages puisque cleje, ,epropre existence d'hommes It. au eeth de lours zones den,
el y a quelques annees, un grand bres, de faire le choix enixe fluence ? .
litre d'Egypte a . pa s'emparer tears partenaires : les weds
de In Syrie reil navale pas ell anlis, les faux, les aa intone- En tout cas, la neutralite ?de
encore in malehanee d'ec.re .sea, les amis loupe sous le Ira- ?een:alns Etats arabes quant ? A.
- Baessiste, occuper, be Yemen vote d'un agneau. . regression 'des Pays du Mete
, pour emitter ? un trere cadet re- , .. .?de Vareovie contre la Tchecos-
, volutionnalre a, sans parlor des , - -Les agissements ineonsideres, lovaquie est linpardonnable. A
! - cas e d'inscipline a qu'll s'etait
e eel oblige de tenter de regler et illogiques de ma leaders era- eeux qui 'Vont pus de memolre,
: e et la en (tenet du droll in - boa ont permis a l'Union Bevel- rappelons quen 1956, deux ? pil-
g
. ternational, des us de fraterinte . Gigue de s'inflitrer en cake Me- sea de, position du P.esIdent Ha-
e ' et diterranee sereine et d'y lecher bib Bourgulba ont donne une
de bon voisinage, ' ?
une flotte importante. En dee de ce que sera la diploma-
echange, lea Arabes erolent ? tie tunlsienne : defense des
Toujours est-il que cette rette 4 pouvoir s'assurer cle la protec- principes, attachment, aux
tude' a Pu donner une idee de tion urbi et ,orbi de l'U.R.S.S. ideaux sublimes, independence
&gee d'infeeence aovietique ? Pourtent, les evenements ont vis-a-vis des Blom Malgre son
, dans cette partie du monde et prouve que l'Union, Sovietique mite!, pour la Prance et les
I. de la mainmise du Bloc commu- n'a 'nullement rintention dere ? liens deononalques tees sonde-
, piste sur les -domaines les plus tervenir directement dans is ment etablis avec ce pays, In
t.. divers et en premier lieu, lea. conf lit israelo-arabe en faveur Tunisie a &menet I interven-
., hoix -et- les decisions en matte- des Arabes, preoccupee qu'elleLion frence-anglelse 4 Him/.
' re de souverainete, Le presse ' est de cette fameuse at palette . D'autre part et touiours en 1956.
, - basessiste, elle, est ,allee jusqu'e ,re coxistence pacifique. Le 5 enalgre in gratitude que devait
epotiser l'argumentation sans juin 1967. malgre l'attente de / la Tunisie a l'U.R.S.S. pour sea
. nettle de Tess et de In Pravda, certain chefs ' d'E.:,at mhos ? prises de position en taveur de
soulignent quo l'interventiort e; __ tevelutlo ir litre as utte ? ? ur l'independ n nee, la
?thiTchecoslovaquie est necessal- vietique a felt la sourde w w
ell- nonce? sans hesitation are
pcovedAFmrtRele12A005i0AMpOI 31161A t,iiin . ti, 1 01310648 AV least pro-
re pour seuvegarder les acquis to. Son inteevention a ete mo- l'intervention sovietique en
ciu socialisine et popr eepondre' rale, sym4olique, sans poride Hongrie.
par Abdelrnajid Ben SLAMA
CPYRGH
Approved For Release 2005/08/17 : CIA-RDP78-03061A000400030018-7
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............ - . ? ............-......a.
AL UMMA, Khartoum, 22 August 1968
The Tragedy of Czechoslovakia
--Abdullah. Muhammad Ahmad
(excerpt:)
.0.4(1:" 44411.
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ks..sezribi 0341, es.
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)1'.re th ussia vasioni
the Czech regime was communist,
headed. .by Dubcek, Secretary of
the CCCP and Prime Minister....
If the Czechs had been opposed
?to Dubcek, they could have over.
thrown him without a foreign
'.invasion.This incident shocks
world Opinion and no excuse
;will be accepted from the
Russians. Those who admired the
liberalization attempts of
Yugoslavia and Rumania, which
Czechoslovakia tried to follow,
are dieappointed in Soviet
post-Stalin claims for liberal-
ization... It is right that the
constitution of Sudan not recog-.
nize communism..The ;deologtcal
ties of the Sudanese Communist
Party with Russia threaten our
sovereignty..We could be invaded
by any communist country if a
group of communists submitted a
petition asking for protection
or strengthening of local com-
munists.. We condemn this
savage Russian invasion and
appeal to the Russian aggres-
sors to withdraw and to leave
the Czechs alone.
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Approved For Release 2005/08/17*
8
ii4Vialtat7004000300J 81-7
Aifilk
,L.,..1-11 UP LAN HERALD Add '0 t g68
Alligfac4e0YFeartliekep%0 Waal. :1993eRop78-ogwA000 A ba bialAti
Ll0003o68-7
THE appeal of the Sierra Leone Government to the,
Soviet Union to end its conflict with Czechoslova-
kia, is subec, carefully thought out and well-.
meaning. The sincerity of purpose behind that
statement issued at the week-end. should be well
appreciated by the Soviet Government. But why,
must Sierra Leone always come last in these mat-
ters? Why has it taken that long to decide whe-
ther or not to 'Interfere' in such a matter which.
can have grave consequences for the free World?L
Por more than a week ? bine days to be exact
we sat down and watched while Russian +Inks
rumbled across the border, into the streets of au:
independent Country, and said nothing! Not good
enough.
Sierra Leone; being a very stniall country, ought to,. bel
very concerned at the threat to the sovreignty lof,?
another small Country wick, believing in demo-?
eracy as we do, we ought not to .be afraid to
speak. On such occasions, the voice of a free,
wurld must be heard outspoken, and unafraid,,
without hesitation of any kind. Bequmq, While:
the experience of the Czechoslovak people has
become a dangerous precedent, silence can also,
be a dangerous precedent to non-response to friends
and well-wishers in times bf serious threat.
-There is no doubt that we have done a lot, and per.,.
haps are doing a lot more nowv to demonstrate,
convincingly, that our external policy is one of,
. non-alignment. We have demonstrated that we::
value our friendship with the Snviet Government.
antl the people of Russia.. And there are many.
avenues for co-operation between our two coun-
tries which we are already exploring. Probahlr.:
it is here that we need to act with caution. Bur
taking the statement that was finally put':
.nut, and the spirit in which it was made,. there Is!
no reason why we should not have said so earlier)
We trust however, that the Soviet authorities, will grasp
the full meaning of that statement, the kernel of
which. is that its action in Czechoslovakia has:
been most embarrassing to say the least
and It has become Imperative that she must do:'
ntithiug to lesson the high prestige which she.:
has enjoyed up till now, in the eyes of the young-
er nations. There Is a tot in that statement to be.,
properly digested. And perhapg? the hesitation,:
with which we have spoken, may help convince'
the Soviet ?authorities of bur sitacetity.
People of all walks of life tbredgit-
, out the free world have voiced their
eyanpathy and shook on the Russian in.,
vasi,on of Czechoslovakia in this iluman
Rights Year. You might perhaps think
ithat all that is to be said has 'been said,
and. nothing remains to say' or write on
the Czech crisis. You are probably ri. .
.ght. However, being one of the many
people deeply touched by the fate of
the Czechs and, to be quite frank, be-
ing one of the fervent abhorers of Coin.
marnism? particularly in its Russian sty-
le, may I, through your esteemed pa.
per, publicly express my sympathy ?
which I have so Sar held privately
on the ruthless occupation of Prague by
Russia and its socalled Warsaw Pact
To .begin with, I join, with my
own tiny private world', the chorus of
others in tondemning the Soviet intei%
vention in/Czeehoslovalia!tv internal a!-
fairs' which its liberal leaders could in- -
'.'tellitently manage. Indeed, my sympa-
thy extends far beyond words and re-
solutions! ..
Seen from another angle the Czech
dilcma tuuloultedly teaches a valuable
lesson to all small nations of the world
:and keeps them alert that one day or
.one ni4xt Soviet troops ? or any other'
,mighty troops for that. matter ? may'.
mareh into, their eitios and dictate ways
and methods by which their govern-
anenis should be run. It also is a warn-
ing bell to some African nations that ,
preach the unholy gospel of Commit-
nista without seriously considering the
consequences upon themselves.
What has -probably most . annoyed
the Kxemlin leaders is the unusual ;
freedom of press that has, since very
recently, prevailed in Czecho,slova.;kria
and which is almost non-existent in
Russia end other Communist blocks., 5
Freedo:m of press enables a people to ?
,express their gratitudes and grievances. .
.11ut expression of grievance in Russia
,entails heavy punishment.
It all boils down, Dear Editor, to the
:most unpleasant fact that any country
that declares Communism as its foru-.
of government should, by all zneans,
obey the Russian dictatorship. Sailing 1
which it will sooner or later, find itself
surrounded by Russian troops.
Surprisingly encringb such nations as.
India have already found the word .
.`candetnn" too strong to be applied to
Rusia. I wish was educated enough
Approved For Release 2005/08/17 : CIA-RDP78-8(8. betywodogoormittR- sharper than.
tue.serpent's tooth,--/- to condemn Rus.
eta; With!
CPYRGH
0,1.^
'ACTION,
-- Approved For Release 2005/08/17 : CIA-RDP78-03061A000400030018-7
Tunis, 30 August 1968 la Hongrie et aujourd'hui de to Tchecoslovoquie
qui, sans memo renier to communisme, ont cher-
cite 6 distendre leurs liens d'allegeance
du Bloc Communiste. Aucune dissidence n'est
LIBERTE DE CHOIN
Fend KACEM.
ANS le concert des protestations, des &sap-
probations et des condemnations provoquees
per l'invasion de la Tchecoslovoquie, on signale
des absents. II y a de silences beaucoup plus filo.,
quents quo les cris les plus tonitruants.
Certes, les pays qui ont approuve ou cherche
justifier la veritable egression lancee contra la
Tchecoslovaquie, n'ont pas un poids tel quo les
victimes de regression puissant s'olarmer de lour
attitude, ou les agresseurs y puiser un encoura-
gement. Ma's il est frappant de constater qua ces
pays se derobent a l'heure ois les regimes les plus
rovolutionnaires, ois les partis communistes qui
dans le passe ont donne, au risque de se discra-
diter, tent de preuves de lour attachement a la
ligne tracee par Moscou, se sent prononces sans
arnbages. La Yougoslavie de Tito, la Roumania de
Ceaucescu, les partis communistes italien tet fron- _
934, quoique lopgtemps familiarises avec la dis-
cipline impose() par le Kremlin via Togliatti et
Maurice Thorez, ont crune seule voix deplore
l'initiative des cinq. Cependant certains dirigeants
du monde Grebe, opprentis sorciers du revolution-
narisme mondial Wont pas cru devoir miler leurs
vaix a celles des pays et de ces partis authenti-
quement revolutionnaires.
On les comprend. Prisonniers de lours slogans',
enserres dans le careen do buns amities, ficeles,
pieds et poings lies, ils no peuvent clue subir. S'ils ?
niagissent, race risque de les immobiliser davan-
tage. Une fois qu'ils se sent deliberement places-
dons rorbite de leur ? grand ami ?, qua pour lui;
plaire, us lour ant emprunte 'sans discernement
Jour terminologie anti-imperialiste, us se retrou-
vent brouilles avec le monde. entier, au bard de
l'abime. Et la seule aide, le soul appui qu'ils peu-
vent attendre sent ceux de Moscou qui les leur,
accorde avec parcimonie, au gra de ses interats.'
De son emprise ils no peuvent se Moire, of tour
subordination finit par les etouffer.
Choisir ses amities, dans le monde modernei
est pour les Etats un art difficile, et tout manque
de discernement en la maniere risque d'?e ca-
tustrophique.
? Mon amifie pour?lei Etots-Unis no m'empe-
che pas de garden ma liberte de choix. Le lour ais
Jo voudrais rompre avec les Etats-Unis, Jour retirer
mon amitia of me retourner contra aux, rien ne We in Tanzania would object in the strongest terms if
pourrait m'empecher. Ce qui n'est pas le cas pour troops from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, the Congo, Malawi
d'autres qui sont les amis de pays plus ou mains and Zambia crossed our borders to enforce a change of
totalitaires et qui perdent Jour liberte de mouve- leadership in our country, Equally, we must condemn
?ments ?. Ainsi s'exprimait le President Bourguiba, sych actions elsewhere. ,
a Washington, au cceur memo de l'Amerique, le
17 Mai dernier, et les evenements, una fois de
plus lui ont donne raison.
Le jugement du Chef de l'Etat se fonde sur la
raison, rexperience, et ranalyse objective. A Yal-*
to, les allies de la derniere guerre mondiale
ovaient esquisse un4pfinagediEcellitelteatre 310015/08/17 : CIA-RDP7&-03061A000400030018-7
einfluenie. On salt ce quill sit adyenu ,hrer,de
toteree dans la peripherie de Moscou ?.
? Par contra en cc qui concerne le Bloc Occiden-
tal tout un chacun est libre de prendre ses dis-
tances 6 son egard, of tel signataire du Poeta
Atlantique ne s'est pas fait faute, lorsqu'il a juge
qua tel etait son interat de le quitter avec fracas,
sans faire courir 6 son pays to moindrerisque d'in-
vasion. Dans cette memo zone d'influence recon-
nue au monde libre, de nonebreux Etats ont choisi
la ? liberte ?. Se declarant revolutionnaires, its se
sent places dans le sillage du bloc sovietique. Hs
n'ont ete victimes d'aucune egression. Cuba, au
Hone mame des Etats-Unis, ayont ?phi; pour le
commumsme, so permet encore, dix ans owes, de
lancer le defi 6 la plus Grande Puissance mondia-
l. sans aucun risque pour so securite of pour son
existence.
De tels exemples sent fort adifiants. Ceux qui
aujourd'hui approuvent ? le coup de Prague ? ou
s'abstiennent de le denoncer accordent une prime
6 rogressien. Particulierement vulnerable, 'ils de-
.
.vraient savoir qu'ils risquent d'en etre un jour les
victimes. Et, cc gulls perdront, cc qu'ils ont pout-
atre dale perdu, c'est-?ire leur liberte de choix
you! beaucoup plus quo les avantages au les se.:
tisfactions cramour-propre escomptes d'une sou--
mission si degradante.
HE STANDARD, Dar es Salsam,22Aug68
'CZECH C ISIS
The Moscow statement yesterday was also in line with 1
the renewed attacks on the Dubcek Government in the
Soviet bloc Press. It claimed that Czechoslovakia was
threatened by counter-revolutionary forces who had
entered into collusion with foreign forces hostile to
socialism. What is probably more to the mark, and
certainly more honest, is the comment that this threat
affected the vital interests of the Soviet Union and
other socialist States. In this context we can under-
stand the Soviet fears that a liberal Czechoslovakia
would greatly weaken the Eastern chain of defence.
But, whatever the reasons, we cannot but feel sorrow for:
the Czeckill6ple at this hour. They have lost theii.
freedom; they have lost their right to express them-
selves ? to decide who should be their leaders.
lA
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