Fidel Castro to Political Bureau of the MPLA

Faithful copy of the original

Politburo of the MPLA

Dear comrades:

During these sad days I have been wrestling with my desire to lead the Cuban delegation to the funeral of our beloved Comrade Neto. But I have decided that it would not be advisable, because you must now focus on the crucial selection of the person who is going to assume the immense responsibility of leading your country. The enemy is already alleging that Cuba is trying to influence your choice. My presence in Angola could fuel this slander.

I believe that this moment of sorrow is also the supreme proof of Angola's complete independence and of the sense of responsibility of its leadership. We, your friends, must do everything we can to draw attention to this reality.

If I may take the liberty of suggesting one word, it is: Unity! Remain united so that the Angolan Revolution will triumph over the formidable obstacles that it faces, so that the life, the work and the revolutionary ideals of Comrade Neto become a beautiful and indestructible reality.

We face several important decisions about our military and civilian cooperation.

I had begun a profound analysis of these issues with Comrade Neto [...] I repeat to you as a group what I had told Comrade Neto during our last encounter: Cuba cannot indefinitely continue to offer a military cooperation on the scale it now does in Angola. It limits our ability to help revolutionary movements in other parts of the world and to defend our own country. Furthermore, the great sacrifices that it demands of our people erode our reserves of strength. The most urgent internationalist duty of Angola at the present moment is to develop its defensive capacity to the utmost and without delay, so that all the Cuban soldiers -- down to the last one -- can return home.

[...]

This is why I implore you to send a delegation of your Political Bureau with the power to discuss these issues to Cuba as soon as possible. We would be pleased to extend this invitation to the comrade whom you elect president, if he wishes to come.

Our future relations will be solid and indestructible as long as we are mutually honest, frank, and sincere with each other, and if they are based on principles.

I want to assure you, above all, that in this sad and bitter time Cuba will stand at your side unconditionally.  

[...]

Fraternally,

Fidel Castro

Cuba, 15 September 1979