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The Algerian Revolution and the Communist Bloc

The onset of the Algerian War of Independence in November 1954 was an important development in the international history of the Cold War. Coming as it did on the heels of the end of the First Indochinese War, the Algerian conflict further emboldened national liberation forces throughout the colonial and semi-colonial world, a region of increasing importance to policymakers in Washington and Moscow. For Soviet and other communists committed to world revolution and proletarian internationalism in particular, the so-called Third World offered infinite possibilities, a fertile ground for the pursuit and realization of their aspirations, including the neutralization of American and other western imperialistic ambitions. This collection reveals how socialist bloc countries aided and supported the Algerian revolution in the early 1960s. (Image: Che Guevara and Fidel Castro meet Algerian President Ben Bella, 1962.)

Popular Documents

March 19, 1961

Development of Relations with Socialist Countries since March 19, 1961

Report on meetings by the Provisional Government of the Algerian Republic (GPRA) with heads of state of socialist countries.The Soviet Union and Czechoslovakia both pledge support and provided supplies to assist the GPRA.

July 1996

A. Bouzid, ‘Summary of Armament during the 1954 Revolution'

Summarizes the logistical process and efforts of armament for the Algerian revolution, from 1947-1962. Lists the various countries who supplied the Algerians with weapons and ammunition, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Libya, East Germany, and China. Outlines, in detail, the processes for transporting weapons across borders, the logistical structure of departments handling distribution and supply of weapons for the revolution, and modes of transport for these supplies.

January 18, 1962

Note to the GPRA Minister of Foreign Affairs, ‘Mission to Cuba'

Report from Lakhdar Brahimi -- GPRA representative at celebration of Cuban revolution in Havana -- on meeting with Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, both of whom express considerable interest in Algerian revolution. Fidel Castro pledges Cuban support, both material and diplomatic, advises Algeria on how to proceed in negotiations with France, and strongly encourages the opening of an Algerian diplomatic mission in Cuba. Brahimi concludes with recommendations on how best to respond to Cuban suggestions and an outline of potential strategic benefits from a diplomatic relationship between two countries.

May 16, 1961

Summary of Meeting between Third Secretary Hassenkhe and Head of Socialist Countries Bureau Yaker

Summary of 27 April 1961 meeting between East German Third Secretary, Hassenkhe, and Algerian Head of Socialist Countries Bureau, Layachi Yaker. Algerian government describes Algerian socialist organizations as "counter-revolutionary." Summary references East German establishment of Red Cross delegation in Morocco as unofficial channel for providing Algeria with material assistance.

September 1, 1960

Letter to the GPRA Prime Minister, ‘Mission Summary’

A letter to the Algerian Prime Minister, describing diplomatic meetings in Cairo with ambassadors from China and the Soviet Union. In meeting with Chinese ambassador, discusses China's delivery of supplies and war materials for Algerians, Chinese training of Algerian communications technicians, and economic arrangements between the two countries. In meeting with Soviet ambassador, Algerian ambassador requests a specific list of weapons provided by the USSR from 1956-58, and other general areas of Soviet assistance for the Algerian cause.