Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XXI, Africa

311. Paper Prepared in the Department of State⁰

Washington, June 28, 1962.

THE WHITE REDOUBT

I. Introduction and Summary

The seeds of another Algeria have been sown in Southern Africa. Blacks face Whites across a sea of developing hate. With this confrontation and the increasing polarization of racial relations the White supremacists are seeking to strengthen their established positions.

The white peoples of these territories—the Republic of South Africa, the Portuguese African possessions of Angola and Mozambique and the Central African Federation (the Rhodesias and Nyasaland)—are taking up a defensive position along a rampart from which they feel there is no retreat. They appear to be developing bonds of mutual fear in the face of advancing Black African nationalism and their governments are contemplating a mutual defense strategy, if not economic and political union as well. Theirs is, in effect, a last white stronghold against black invasion from the north and racialist-inspired upheavals from within.

From the north pressing against these white communities comes the tide of nationalism. In this area, 26 newly independent states, mainly black, have found their freedom since the end of World War II. More new black nations will add to these pressures this year and next.

The possible collision of these rival forces in a world already full of racial hatreds is highly dangerous. A Black-White confrontation on the southern tip of Africa, particularly in an area where U.S. investments are extensive, and U.S. nationals are numerous, is perilous in terms of U.S. objectives in Africa as a whole.

There are even more cogent reasons than these which must give us concern—notably the likelihood of the Cold War being introduced into Africa on the wings of racial bias; the weakening of our own relationships with Africa which would ensure [ensue?]; the weakening of the UN; and the domestic dilemma with which the U.S. would be confronted in event of such tragedy.

It should be the policy of the United States to mitigate the polarization of the races into two warring factions. Unfortunately, this polarization has already proceeded a long way, and our efforts must now be directed toward preventing it from developing so completely that strife cannot be averted. Unless this aim is accomplished, we may be faced with a major racial war, the consequences of which could even mean that masses of white inhabitants will be driven out of Africa. We have not yet made a full assessment of the military potential of the Redoubt group. South Africa could no doubt supply her own military needs but probably would have difficulty in meeting all the needs of her partners.

It is difficult if not impossible accurately to estimate the pace of events. The problems of Angola are upon us today. The Rhodesian problems (at least those of Southern Rhodesia) are developing so swiftly they may be with us full force within the next year. The problems of South Africa are only slightly more long range. In all areas time is running out.

[Here follows the body of the paper.]

0. Source: Kennedy Library, National Security Files, Countries Series, Africa. Secret; Noforn. Drafted by Duggan and Lewis. Sent to George McGhee and U. Alexis Johnson, Department of State; Paul Nitze, William Bundy, Henry Rowen, and Major General T.W. Parker, Department of Defense; Henry Fowler, Department of the Treasury; Richard Helms and Ray S. Cline, CIA; and McGeorge Bundy and Carl Kaysen, the White House, under cover of a memorandum from Henry Owen (S/P) that reads: “The attached paper, ‘The White Redoubt’ of June 28, 1962, will be discussed at the Planning Group meeting on Tuesday, July 10.”

   The paper was discussed at the Secretary’s Planning Meeting on July 17. A summary of the discussion is in Department of State, S/P Files: Lot 70 D 199, Departmental Organization.