Reagan Says U.S. Wants to Help Rebels in Angola
President Reagan said today that the United States wants to be “very helpful” to Angolan rebel leader Jonas Savimbi, who is seeking American support for his struggle against the Cuban-backed government in Luanda.
Reagan, who met with Savimbi in the Oval Office, did not specify whether any U.S. aid would be given openly or whether it would be covert assistance.
“We want to be very helpful to what Dr. Savimbi and his people are trying to do, and what we’re trying to arrive at is the best way to do that,” Reagan said. “We want to be very supportive. We’re seeking a way to be of help.”
After the meeting, Savimbi said he was satisfied with the discussion but gave no details.
A senior State Department official said overt assistance has been ruled out because of problems in delivering the supplies to rebel-held territory and other reasons.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
