Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XXIV, Africa

439. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Zambia¹

Washington, July 27, 1966, 6:30 p.m.

16415. Angola-Zambian Border Incident. Lusaka 154.²

1. Following is text reply to be delivered to GRZ Foreign Office:

“The Embassy acknowledges receipt of the Note of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dated July 23 and has informed the Department of State of its contents. The Embassy has been instructed to reply that the United States Government is concerned over the statement of the Zambian Government that materiel with American markings was found at the site of a reported incident near the Zambian-Angolan border. It would be appreciated if the items referred to in the Foreign Office Note could be made available for examination.

“For a number of years the USG has followed a policy of providing no arms or military equipment to Portugal for use in its African territories. In 1961 the USG sought and received assurance from the Government of Portugal that materiel provided by the US to help Portugal meet its NATO obligations would not be diverted for use in its African territories. The USG has also prohibited direct export of arms and military equipment to the territories themselves. It should be noted that large quantities of military items of American manufacture can be purchased commercially on the world market and are not under the control of the USG. Also, military equipment based on original American patterns is manufactured in a number of countries. If more detailed information could be supplied the Embassy on the incident, the USG would consider the action requested in the Note.”

2. You should also make oral presentation to appropriate FonOff official, or at your discretion to Kaunda, along following lines:

a. Take up matter MPLA and other insurgent activities reported Lusaka 143³ and previous, pointing out that as long as exile military activity against Angola based in Zambia continues, retaliatory attacks bound take place. In view sources your information on Angolan exile activities, you should bring up details at your discretion, particularly since it appears Kaunda may not be aware full extent involvement his Ministers and officials in exile activities. It should be noted we have information MPLA and other exiles also have American equipment furnished from sources over which USG has no control. You should emphasize availability US-manufactured military items, such as materiel under question, throughout world including Communist countries, such as USSR and Communist China as well as elsewhere, explaining these items date from World War II stocks and include important quantities arms seized by Chicoms in Korea.

b. Make clear we concerned with possible misuse of American arms by the Portuguese in Africa but we of course are not directly involved in bilateral questions of possible border incursions which are direct concern of Portugal and Zambia. We prepared discuss with Portuguese use in Angola of US arms and equipment supplied thru MAP program or via commercial sales if clearly demonstrated such have been used in Zambian territory.

c. Re alleged American markings two items, Dept notes discrepancy in Zambian note (Embtel 154) which states “of two (sic) spent shells that were found in destroyed village, two bear American markings” and text Kaunda press statement (Embtel 151),⁴ in which he reportedly said, “although they have nothing to identify them with, would appear to be American-made.” Embassy, at its discretion, should seek clarification. From the description provided, it is impossible to identify the origin of the shells in question. If whole shell available, identification may be made but still would be difficult to trace. Even if item determined be of US origin there no way we could establish who had possession or how it had been obtained. FYI: If GRZ offers shells or fragments for inspection, USG would consider sending military officer (perhaps USDAO Blantyre) to Lusaka for this purpose. End FYI.

3. Dept invites Embassy’s evaluation info reported other channel from Lusaka⁵ that incident took place inside Angolan territory.

4. Any public disclosure of foregoing suggested course of action could be counter-productive to any discussion we might subsequently have with Portuguese. Therefore, addressees should refrain from any public comment on US action and/or reaction to GRC statements re alleged incident.

5. For Lisbon: Embassy at its discretion may inform GOP that Zambian Govt delivered note to US Ambassador in Lusaka stating that an armed incursion into Zambian territory was made by Portuguese troops based in Angola. The note stated two spent shells were found in the village bearing American markings and requested that the USG bring this matter to the attention of GOP. Embassy may inform GOP that we are discussing question with GRZ in Lusaka and may be meeting with GOP on this matter when we have additional information.

Rusk

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 32–1 ANG–ZAMBIA. Confidential. Drafted by Officer in Charge of Southern Rhodesia Affairs Michael P. Hoyt and Heyniger; cleared by Warren, Steve Koumanelis of G/PM–G/MC, Director of the Office of Eastern and Southern African Affairs Thomas W. McElhiney, Dean of IO/UNP, Lardner of DOD/ISA, Funseth, Robert H. Human of L/AF, and Thomas Judd of EUR/BMI; and approved by Trimble. Also sent to Lisbon. Repeated to London, Luanda, Lourenco Marques, Blantyre, Dar-es-Salaam, Addis Ababa, CINCSTRIKE/CINCMEAFSA, and USUN.
2. In telegram 154 from Lusaka, July 24, Ambassador Robert Good transmitted the text of a letter to him from the Zambian Ministry of Foreign Affairs asking the U.S. Government to take up with Portugal its use of NATO arms on the Angola-Zambia border. (Ibid.)
3. Dated July 23. (Ibid.)
4. Dated July 23. (Ibid.)
5. Not further identified.