y p' /^\^ ' \f
RESOLUTION NO. 1 ON MOZAMBIQUE - FACTS
Mozambique has been a Portuguese Colony since 1498, and still remains as such today.
This long Portuguese reign has always been characterized by terror and supression
of civil rights of Mozambicans.
The military campaigns, starting in 1670 and reaching a relative climax in 1890
never ceased to harass Africans (in Mozambique), who could not accept the brutal
Portuguese rule.
Forced labor is still prevalent in Mozambique. A minimum of 100,000 men are bound
to go to the mines of Wittwatersrand (South Africa) while an equal number must work
in Southern Rhodesia under conditions established by the agreement (Convention of
Mozambique) between South Africa and Portugal.  Under "0 Contracto Indigena Shibalo,"
each African has no more than six months to do the kind of work he wishes following
a period of eleven to twelve months of forced labor (Shibalo) during which he is to
work v/here the colonial government wants him to.
Segregation is defacto legal, for only some 5,000 African Assimilados are supposed
to have the rights of a Portuguese citizen. This, therefore, leaves the whole
African population of more than 6,000,000 in a humiliating status of "indigenato".
Schools are of two kinds: government elementary schools for Potuguese, Mullatos
and Assimilados; and Catholic rudimentary schools, sponsored by government, for
"indigenas" Africans. The latter are of inferior quality and are supposed to
teach Africans not beyond the third grade in order to keep him in an obedient
servitude.  Illiteracy is above 90%. No college or similar institutions exists
in Mozambique, in spite of claims by Portuguese government that it has such
institutions.
Political activities are completely banned, and no syndical organizations (of
Africans) is permitted by the Portuguese Government and its fascist police (PIDE).
Taxes (impostos pessoais and impostos bracais) amount to over 30% which is more
two months wages of a worker.  In addition, the government requires most persons
to work for some period without any remuneration*
The Salazar's Government refuses to consider demands of African nationalist
movement FRELINO; on the contrary, it unleashes a widespread campaign of repression
and intimidation against that organization. Now, there are more than 600 political
prisoners in Mozambique.
Refugees are escaping in an increasing numbers as a consequence of the repressive
measures taken by the PIDE.
Students are not allowed to leave the country to pursue their studies abroad being
subject to punishment and jail if they ask for passports.