Kaur.da Visit Reflecta Soviet Interest in Southern Xfrlca
The recant via.'- of Zambian President Kaunda to ths Soviet Onion appeara to have baeniatter of protocol! thus far there la no evidencet reaulted in any significant change in Soviet-Zamblan ralationa. Hoacow'a red-carpet treatment of Kaunda stayign, however, that the Soviets axe increasingly interested in aouthern Africa.
The Soviets seemed moot eager to receive Kaunda and pressed hira to make tha viait this year. inner honoring Kaunda, Soviet Prealdent Podgomy expressed satisfaction with the envelopment ofbut added that there are Still naxiyhat can be broadened and deepened.
One reason for Moscow's current Interest in Zambia la competition from tha Chinese. Soviet efforts toole in Zambia's economic development in tha paat have been ovarshadowad by China, which haa been constructing tha Tan-Zam railroad and is involved in other projects. The Soviets wera upset that Kaunda made two trips to tha PBC before honoring Hoacow'awhich waa originally extended The Soviets may hope that with the railroadhance to increase their Influence in ZambU at China'e expense.
Perhapa more important in Moscow's view is Zambia's strategic location in an area where efforts towardhave picked up momentum. Podgomy devoted particular attention to Zambia's "front lins* role in the liberation struggles and said that this situationpecial responsibility On Zambia.
Moscow hassed Zambia, along with Tanzania,unnel for military aid to national liberation
njviMnti in Angola, Mo iambique, and Rhodesia. Because ot Portugnieee plana to grant independence to Angola and baeauae of Keunda'e contact* with black. Rhodeslan na-tlonallatt, who are striving totha Smith regime in Rhodesia, the Soviets probably view Kaundaeader worthy of further cultivation.
December4
Kaunda haa conaiatently supported the Popularfor the Liberation of Angolahose principal leader, Agoatlnho Heto, ls Moscow's long-tine favorite. Neto'a chief rival for leadership of the nationalstruggle in Angola, Holden Roberto of the National Front for the Liberation of Angolas supported by Sai-lan President Mobutu, whose visit to Moscowfor December wai suddenly canceled byn part because of Zaire's position on Angola.
Original document.
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