Letter from Fidel to Cuban and Angolan combatants in Cangamba

To the Cubans and the 32nd FAPLA brigade fighting in Cangamba

(August 10, 1983)

DEAR compañeros,

For days, we have followed hour by hour your heroic resistance facing South African puppet forces far superior in number and military means in Cangamba.

We have adopted all measures to support the besieged troops. Sending Cuban reinforcements by helicopter to this point is confirmation of our determination to wage and win this battle together with the Angolans.

Powerful tank columns are advancing rapidly in the direction of Cangamba.

Now, everything depends on your capacity to resist for the minimal time essential for these troops to reach their objective.

If the enemy takes Cangamba there will be no mercy for the wounded and prisoners.

From your well-entrenched positions, with serenity, confidence in yourselves and total determination, you must repel enemy attacks, firmly resist artillery fire and annihilate those attempting to seize your position.

It is very important to save munitions and ensure accurate firing, as well as firmly enduring hunger and thirst if provisions and water run out.

All the Cuban military means and forces will be utilized to liberate you from the enemy siege if this should become necessary.

Our troops will arrive very quickly, in three to four days, but if the distance, natural obstacles and enemy action delay them by twice or thrice that time, or even more, you have to resist, because they will get there at whatever cost.

Let Cangamba become the cemetery of the mercenaries serving the odious interests of South African racists.

Let Cangamba be an everlasting symbol of the courage of the Cubans and Angolans.

Let Cangamba be an example of the blood of Angolans and Cubans shed for the freedom and dignity of South Africa not having been spilled in vain.

I have every confidence in your unsurpassable courage and promise that we will rescue you whatever the cost.

GRANMA