Office of the Historian

429. Letter From the Consul General in Mozambique (Wright) to the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs (Williams)1

Lourenco Marques, December 14, 1964.

My dear Governor Williams:

I am enclosing a copy of my last will and testament on Mozambique2 which I thought you might find of interest.

In my opinion the moment of truth for the Portuguese is at hand. The time left for a negotiated settlement of relations with their African territories is fast running out. Dr. Eduardo Mondlane has had to embark on a program of violence which, although it is out of character, is essential if he expects to continue to lead the liberation movement. Recent events in the Congo and East Africa have in my opinion greatly eroded our position with a number of newly independent states. Even moderates like Nyerere and Kaunda find it difficult any longer to counsel moderation in the face of continued Portuguese intransigency.

I shall be leaving Lourenco Marques within the next few days in order that I can report to the Inspection Corps January 4. It is my understanding that I am to spend the month of January being briefed on my new assignment. I would hope to have a chance during this period to chat with the people in AF on the situation in Mozambique.

[Here follows brief discussion of personnel matters.]

I am looking forward to seeing you early in the New Year.

With kindest personal regards,

Ken
  1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Papers of G. Mennen Williams, 1961–1966, Country Files, 1961–1966, Algeria-Zambia, Mozambique. Confidential; Official-Informal.↩
  2. Not found.↩