NSSD 9-87 Southern Africa: United States Policy toward the Front Line States

UNOLORSTIED suonem. -2- Security Relations What steps should the U.S. take to promote effective Western competition with the Soviet Union in regional security relationships? Given the historic role of specific Western nations in certain Southern African nations (e.g., the British in Zimbabwe) , how should the U.S. relate to allied security efforts in the region? Western Partnership Given the limited resources available for use in Southern Africa, should the U.S. work to persuade our Western allies and friends to join with us in a partnership to promote peaceful change and preempt Soviet maneuvering? How best can the U.S. help promote effective burden-sharing on behalf of overall Western regional interests in Southern Africa? Special Concerns The Moderates Moderate American friends in Southern rica--Botswana, Malawi, Zaire, Zambia, and Swaziland--have come under increasing pressure as regional tensions have risen. The study should specifically assess how U.S. policy can support these governments and assist them in achieving the regional objectives that we share with them. The study should also identify the major current threats to to help the stability them deal of with these these governments threats. and The recommend internal U.S. problems policies faced by the leadership in Zambia, and Malawi's sensitive relations with its neighbors, should be included in this assessment. TEL Mozambique In 1985, I invited President Samora Machel to make an official visit to the United States, thus signalling a desire for normal relations with Mozambique and a belief that his government wanted to move toward genuine non-alignment. President Chissano has stated his intention to continue his predecessor's policies; and has taken important steps in this direction, especially in the economic area. On the other hand, intelligence assessments, including SNIE 72.3-85, make it clear that RENAMO continues to be a significant military force and a factor to be considered in any analysis of Mozambique's ability to distance itself from the Soviets. It is less clear what RENAMO's political platform is, although it associates itself with Western democratic values and a free market system. SECRET UNCLASSIFIED SECRET