International records / Foreign Relations of the United States

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

ignificant Cuban withdrawal. In doing so we would demonstrate that the US is prepared to join our allies (who have already recognized Angola) in offering an alternative to Angolan reliance on the Cubans and Soviets. Most Africans, including Liberia, Nigeria and the other Front Line states believe firmly that we should take the step. Continued isolation of the Angolans will leave them dependent upon the Eastern bloc, while the establishment of US/Angolan relations could serve as the first step toward bringing Luanda out of the communist orbit. Diplomatic relations, at the outset, would facilita…