PORTUGAL IN AFRICA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: Library of Congress
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): LOC-HAK-538-2-7-5
• Release Decision: RIPLIM
• Original Classification: T
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: January 11, 2017
• Document Release Date: March 9, 2011
• Sequence Number: 7
• Publication Date: September 10, 1973
• Content Type: MEMO

NoObjection to DeclassificationJin Part 2011/03/09 : LOC-HAK-538-2-7-5
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
(x) 5C
September 10 1 Q73
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR HENRY KISSINGER
SUBJECT:
Harold E. Horan
Portugal in Africa
At NSC's suggestion, CIA has prepared the.backgrounder on Portugal's
African territories at Tab A. While a little long, the document is a
useful summation of what we know of Portugal's attitudes towards
these territories and the status of the insurgencies. Essential elements
are thes e:
Lisbon has 200 thousand men under arms in Africa and spends
about one quarter of its budget in defense of its territories.
The Portuguese give no indication they intend to withdraw from
Africa, although some officials privately admit that Portuguese
Guinea may soon be a lost cause.
Lisbon is facing increasing pressure from Western European
countries to grant independence .to its territories.
As political pressure builds, Lisbon will at least try to retain
what support it has among its western allies, particularly the
United States.
This desire for support will doubtless be implicit in negotiations
on extension of the Azores Base Agreement soon to reopen with
the US.
-? The insurgents (PAIGC) in Portuguese Guinea are the most success-
ful to date, and with support from the Soviet Union and Cuba,- have
conducted sustained operations that have hurt the Portuguese.
The PAIGC may declare Portuguese Guinea independent this year.
If it does, it will receive quick support from communist countries
and most non-aligned states.
No Objection to Declassification in Part 2011/03/09: LOC-HAK-538-2-7-5
 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2011/03/09: LOC-HAK-538-2-7-5
TOP SECRET/CODEW. OR.D
The, insurgency in Mozambique (FRELIMO)..has slowly.butst.eadily
expanded its area of operations and the Portuguese changed their
military commander in early August. Frelimo is well supplied
by China and the Soviet Union, but has failed 'to take hold of a
broad popular base in its national movement. The Portuguese
are prepared for extended. struggle in Mozambique and they
think time is on their side.
-- There are two insurgent groups in Angola (MPLA and GRAE).
They have been unable to end their long-standing rivalry and
for this and other reasons .the Portuguese have been :able to contain. the insurgency.
While the Portuguese do not appear prepared.for an all-out push,
the general situation in Angola is not likely to change in the fore-
..Seeable future.
Attachment
Tab A - CIA backgrounder, "Portugal in Africa: The Burden of
Empire" - 31 August, 1973 25X1
TOP SECRET/CODEWORD
--1 No Objection to Declassification in Part 2011/03/09: LOC-HAK-538-2-7-5