Nelson Mandela was in the U.S. to gather support for his anti-apartheid activities. I find it inappropriate, however, for him to criticize our foreign policy in other matters while asking for our help.
His support of the Soviet-backed Angolan government gives a true indication of his ideological beliefs. While asking for U.S. support to install a ”democratic” government in South Africa, he insisted that we withdraw our support of an anti-communist force in Angola.
He asked for continued economic sanctions against the South African leadership. Yet he strongly condemned our efforts in Angola ” . . . because the established governments of independent countries should respect the political sovereignty and territorial integrity of Angola.”
The apartheid system is wrong. There is no doubt that a real
democratically elected government is the only solution. If Mandela were to spend more time analyzing the options to violent revolt, rather than criticizing a government that has supported his goals, he might actually find the solution to the problems facing his country. And in the process become a true hero to the world.
