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The USA and the Rhodesian war
Horne, Gerald From
the Barrel of Gun The United States and the war against Zimbabwe, 1965-1980
(click for Amazon link) This book, the first to focus solely on American
involvement in the Rhodesian war, demonstrates how American support - both
financially and with the tacit acceptance of large numbers of mercenary troops -
helped the war to continue.
Book review here.
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One
of the more interesting American characters in Rhodesia was Robin Moore (who
also wrote, amongst others, the film "The Green Berets", a hugely pro-American
Vietnam war film starring John Wayne, which has to be seen to be believed). His
work on American mercenaries who fought in Rhodesia, "The Crippled
Eagles" (click link for external link to more information on them) did not appear for a number of years, due to its (correctly) perceived
political-incorrectness. However, whilst in Rhodesia, Moore was instrumental
in establishing an unofficial embassy for the American mercenaries, the
"crippled eagles" fighting in the
country (like other countries excepting South Africa, embassies had been
removed from Rhodesia). He also co-wrote "Major
Mike" with ex-US Army Major Mike Williams. A
key part of one side of US involvement in the Rhodesian war (the political
involvement will be dealt with separately) was through Soldier
of Fortune magazine. (For a recent example of SOF reporting, click here
for details of the movement of the RLI "Troopie"
statue). Soldier of Fortune magazine, "The Journal of Professional
Adventurers" was established by a retired US Lieutenant Colonel, Robert K
Brown. The
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mercenaries in Rhodesia, although Rhodesian recruitment efforts were always at
pains to explain that "mercenaries" were not recruited, and often
noted that due to the relatively low rate of pay offered there would be
little financial incentive for fighting; rather, that it was the
political beliefs that were to inspire the mercenaries to fight.
Politics
Essentially, America waited both until Britain had clearly
failed to resolve the situation, and when it was becoming increasingly apparent
that either Russian or Chinese surrogate forces were likely to win the
struggle. With
awareness of the natural resources within Rhodesia and the conclusion
that Rhodesia alongside apartheid South Africa offered the best defence
against the Eastern Bloc, it seemed for a time
that the more moderate African leaders would be "adopted" to
become willing future allies - their decision being motivated through
the support given. However, with Smith opting for an internal solution,
and apparently little practical support forthcoming from the West, it
was only with the monitoring of the cease-fire, and airborne transport
of men and materiel that America once more became properly
involved.
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