Office of the Historian

25. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Brzezinski) to Secretary of State Vance1

Washington, June 14, 1978

SUBJECT

  • U.S.-Angolan Relations

The President has been informed that Angolan President Neto is anxious for a U.S. official to visit Luanda to discuss U.S.-Angolan relations.2 The President has determined that we might consider an unofficial visit focusing on these issues:

1. Namibia

2. Neto and Savimbi

3. Withdrawal of Cuban Troops

4. Recognition

The President stated that we should let the Angolans know our position on these issues clearly. In this connection, Ambassador McHenry should inform Angolan UN Representative Figueiredo of the issues we would want to discuss should Ambassador McHenry meet with Angolan officials in Luanda in the context of a Contact Group visit.3

Zbigniew Brzezinski
  1. Source: Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Brzezinski Office File, Country Chron File, Box 2, Angola: 1977–1978. Secret.↩
  2. In telegram 2352 from USUN, June 8, the Mission reported: “The most significant development was statement by Angolan Perm Rep that he had received message from Neto asking if it possible for ‘someone’ from the United States to visit Luanda.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P840163–2654)↩
  3. McHenry held a series of bilateral talks with the Angolans in Luanda June 22–25. The discussions are summarized in telegram 170933 to multiple posts, July 6. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780278–0415)↩