165. Memorandum From Director of Central Intelligence Colby to Secretary of State Kissinger1
Washington, December 23, 1975.
SUBJECT
- South African Decision to Withdraw from Angola
- 1.
- [1½ lines not declassified] the South African National Security Council decided on the evening of 23 December to withdraw South African troops from Angola. The timing of the withdrawal is not definite pending consultations beginning 24 December with the National Front for the Liberation of Angola (FNLA), the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), and possibly with President Mobutu. [1½ lines not declassified] emphasized that the withdrawal will be orderly, and that the service hoped to obtain the concurrence of the FNLA and UNITA.
- 2.
- [less than 1 line not declassified] the South Africans probably intend to withdraw before the Organization of African Unity (OAU) meeting now scheduled for the second week in January. By withdrawing before the OAU meeting, the South Africans hope that UNITA and the FNLA will be free to deny the presence of South Africans in Angola and to invite on-site inspection. The South African withdrawal timetable might be adjusted, depending upon the results of consultations with the FNLA, UNITA and President Mobutu.
W.E. Colby
2
- Source: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, Kissinger Papers, Box CL 103, Geopolitical File, Angola Chronological File. Secret; Sensitive; Eyes Only. A note that reads “Urgent” is attached to the memorandum. A copy was sent to Scowcroft.↩
- David H. Blee signed for Colby above Colby’s typed signature.↩