dyton mupawaenda
The Rhodesia Herald,
11 January, 1974
THE Portuguese Ambassador to South Africa, Dr J.E de Meneses Rosa, has “categorically denied” a newspaper report that Portugal is preparing to quit her African territories.
A report from Paris predicted yesterday that the liberal Portuguese General, Antonio Sebastio Ribeira da Sinola, will shortly be named deputy chief-of-staff for all armed forces in a move foreshadowing a gradual Portuguese retreat from Africa.
The forecast was made by the newsletter Lettre d’ Afrique.
In a statement, Dr de Meneses Rosa said: “I am in a position to categorically deny such a report and to state that the speculations of the sources quoted (an almost unknown private newsletter published in Paris) without any whatsoever”.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
Following the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, Portugal became one of the colonial “masters” involved in the Scramble for Africa.
It colonised the following African countries: Angola, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Cape Verde, São Tomé and Príncipe.
Despite the denial by the Portuguese, it is interesting to note that the war of liberation in Mozambique ended in September 1974 and independence was granted in June 1975, the same year Angola was also granted independence on November 11.
The Portuguese like all colonial masters wanted to maintain a heavy presence in their former colonies. Their tentacles reached far and wide, as both Mozambique and Angola fought lengthy civil wars. What role did Portugal play?
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter