International records / Foreign Relations of the United States

38. Memorandum From Secretary of State Vance and the United States Representative to the United Nations ( McHenry ) to President Carter

without preconditions could even make clearer to the Angolans their own interest in beginning a draw-down of the Cubans, with or without a settlement in Namibia. Such a move would also be welcomed by the African moderates, the Front Line states and Nigeria, as well as by key Western European leaders who favor gestures that could have the effect of lessening Angolan dependence on the Soviets and Cubans. In accordance with our discussion of the issue, we are consulting with some of the key people on the Hill. Carter neither approved nor disapproved the recommendation. In an October 29 memorandum…