Almost as soon as the Soviet-and Cuban-backed Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (M.P.L.A.) claimed military victory in Angola, the rush to recognition was on. Britain, Italy, seven other Western European countries and Canada all followed the lead of France last week in acknowledging M.P.L.A. Leader Agostinho Neto's regime as the legitimate government of Angola. Only 22 members of the Organization of African Unity recognized the M.P.L.A. in January; by week's end the number stood at 38.
Despite such successes, the M.P.L.A. was far less sure of achieving genuine control of the country. The Western-backed factions that had been...
To continue reading:
or
Log-In
