This newsletter contains four articles and two brief reports:
Luciano Tomassini’s article concerns Latin American nationalism in the light of the Consensus of Vina del Mar, where the Latin American governments concluded that the domestic effort of Latin American countries is eroded by an adverse international framework. There is a need for changes in relations between Latin America and the international community, especially the United States. The consequences of this change is that Latin American countries must show that the new nationalism is also capable of taking cooperative forms.
John Edlin’s article concerns peace returning to the Congo after a decade of unrest.
The ruthless methods of President Mobutu’s government succeeded in obtaining a measure of political and economic wealth that more moderate African leaders did not manage, despite Congolese student dissatisfaction with the government and threats from rebels.
René de Villiers’ article describes change in Portuguese Africa, especially Angola and Mozambique. In both territories, poverty is desperate, with a need for skilled manpower and capital. Economic development is needed as well as closer identification of the African people with the white Portuguese. While ultimate victory for the Portuguese seems assured in the guerrilla war, it would be unrealistic to expect peace for many years to come. The White Portuguese have become Africans, but Angola and Mozambique are not faultless – there is limited democracy, and restrictions on press freedom and personal liberty. The question is whether Portugal can succeed with this experiment in modern-style colonialism.
The last article contains various South African responses on the emergency in Lesotho after Chief Leabua Jonathan declared a state of emergency and suspended the constitution during Lesotho’s first general election since independence.
The brief reports concern the Botswana general election, and strategic arms limitation.
