Item COLD WAR 28/76 - Transcript of interview with diplomat Boris Putilin, 1997

Typescript transcript of interview with Boris Vardonovich Putilin, [Soviet diplomat, Angola, 1975-1976], relating to the Soviet reasons for involvement in Angola, 1975-1976; the socialist beliefs of the People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), 1975-1976; the distribution of Soviet military aid to Angola through Zambia and the Congo, 1975-1976; the celebrations in Luanda to celebrate Angola's independence from Portuguese rule, 10 Nov 1975; the acknowledgement of the MPLA as the legitimate Angolan government by the Organisation of African Unity, Feb 1976; Cuban involvement in Angola, 1975-1976; US aid for the National Front for the Liberation of Angola (FNLA), (1975-1976); the influence of third world conflicts on the policy of détente between the USA and the USSR, 1969-1975; the strategic importance of Soviet involvement in Africa, [1975-1980]; the fragility of the peace process in Angola, the Alvor accords, (1974); the Soviet supply of Katyusha rockets to Angola, [1976]; the Soviet reaction to incursions into Angola by Zairean and South African forces in support of the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), [1976]; South African operations in Angola against the South West African People's Organisation for Namibia (SWAPO), 1966-1988; Soviet aid to the MPLA and to SWAPO, 1976-1988; the spread of Soviet inspired Communism in Africa, [1970-1989]; the Soviet decision not to deploy the Red Army to Angola, 1975-1976; the influence of Angola on future Soviet policy in Africa, 1976; the waning of Soviet influence in the Middle East, [1973-1980]; the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) sponsorship of mercenaries to fight for the National Front for the Liberation of Angola (FNLA) in Angola, 1975-1976. 33pp