The mailing reports on Senate passage of an amendment to the Foreign Assistance Authorization Act of 1980 that effectively lifts the Clark Amendment, which became law in early 1976 during the Angolan war after reports of CIA support for Holden Roberto's FNLA and Jonas Savimbi's UNITA were leaked to the press. The Clark Amendment, originally adopted by large margins in both the House and Senate, bans U.S assistance to any group for military or paramilitary operations in Angola without explicit Congressional authorization. The mailing spells out arguments against lifting the Clark Amendment. The Helms repeal effort opens the possibility of renewed U.S. covert operations in Angola. The Senate-passed...
The mailing reports on Senate passage of an amendment to the Foreign Assistance Authorization Act of 1980 that effectively lifts the Clark Amendment, which became law in early 1976 during the Angolan war after reports of CIA support for Holden Roberto's FNLA and Jonas Savimbi's UNITA were leaked to the press. The Clark Amendment, originally adopted by large margins in both the House and Senate, bans U.S assistance to any group for military or paramilitary operations in Angola without explicit Congressional authorization. The mailing spells out arguments against lifting the Clark Amendment. The Helms repeal effort opens the possibility of renewed U.S. covert operations in Angola. The Senate-passed amendment could negatively affect the three-year Western nations' negotiations on Namibia and identify the U.S. with the South African government. Also, it will not decrease Cubans or Soviet influence in Angola. UNITA is not a viable political party deserving of U.S. support. Angola should continue to be singled out for special Congressional oversight of CIA activity. Overriding the Clark Amendment will set back the important steps which have been taken toward normalizing relations between the United States and Angola.
