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The"imperialist press has given a great deal of publicity to the recent
visit of Mr. Marcelo Caetano, President of the Council of Ministers of
Portugal, to the colonies of Angola, Guinea and" Mozambique. The general
impression conveyed by the western newspapers is that Portugal is still
strong in the colonies. One newspaper, referring to Mozambique, even
went to the extreme of saying that "the visit of Prof. Caetano to Mozambique proves the falseness of the claims of the terrorist movement,
FRELIMO, about 'liberated areas' in that country". This reminds us of
the South African tourist who went to spend his holidays on the beaches
of Lourenco Marques. When he returned to Johannesburg he was asked about
the war in Mozambique. His answer was:  "There is no war at all!  I was
there for a whole month and I didn't hear a single shot." This, of course,
is nonsense and requires no further comment.  It is an extreme example of
the way in which the reactionary press desperately seizes on any small
pretext to "convince" the world that imperialism is still strong and that
there is nothing to fear from Revolution.
The truth is:  Portugal stillcontrols a large part of Mozambique including
the capital, Lourenco Marques.  Caetano only visited Lourenco Marques, in
a zone still controlled by his troops.  His presence there, therefore,
is as normal as the presence of FRELIMO leaders in the zones controlled
by us.  Indeed, FRELIMO has ignored Caetano's visit to Mozambique, and
would consider it required no comment, were it not for the need to enlighten our friends, v/ith access only to the views of a biased press, on
its implications.
First of all, Caetano's visit showed that he intends to continue Salaaar's
policy.  It illustrated Portugal's stubborness in persisting in her colonial policies in the face of all historical trends to the contrary, and
the declining power of Portugal.  This latter point is the second implication.  Portugal's political, economic and military powers are fading.
Our experience has shown that, when v/e are experiencing difficulties in a
region, the presence of a FRELIMO leader helps a great deal.  A couple of
months ago the Portuguese Minister of Defence v/as in Mozambique - but to
no avail.  So the supreme leader Lad to follows  it was intended that his
presence should boost the flagging morale of the Portuguese troops and
the settlers.  Indeed, he promised them that new military reinforcements
would be sent to Mozambique,
His visit is a subtle form of propaganda to detract attention from increasing military defeats.  It is also a clever move to consolidate his
own position and confirm his power by winning more popularity among capitalist elite which is in fact ruling Portugal.
His visit has had absolutely no effect on us.  We knew from the beginning
that a change of personalities v/ould not mean a change in Portugal's
policy.  Within a short time, if he keeps the promise he made to the
settlers, more troops will be sent to Mozambique: we are prepared to
receive them.
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