The Soviet Union and African Countries

Africa is no longer a silent continent but, rather, a continent of great expectations. In the 1960's, partici pation of the new African states in the solution of interna tional problems, large and small, is a fact of international life. It has been the policy of the Soviet Union throughout the pe riod of the emergence of independent states in Africa to sup port, especially in the United Nations, anticolonial struggles and decolonization proposals and resolutions. The Soviet Un ion, aware of the discrepancies between former colonial coun tries and their ex-possessions in matters of trade, industrial de velopment, education, and medical care, is pursuing a policy toward Africa calculated to assist the African countries in at tacking and ending backwardness. This policy supports na tionalization of the properties of foreign monopolies, develop ment of local industry, creation and strengthening of a state- owned sector of the economy, and radical agricultural reforms. The Soviet Union is convinced that practical measures must be taken to mitigate the damaging effects of world-market price-and-demand fluctuations on African economies. These measures include equal trade agreements, low-interest credits, guaranteed market, supplying necessary equipment, and train ing local African personnel. The Soviet Union feels that the African nations' position of positive neutralism fully corre sponds to African needs and interests and permits freedom of choice in social and economic development.—Ed.