Diplomatic Rapport between Africa and the United States

Abstract

Africa's march to independence in the years since World War II has caused extensive reorganization of Depart ment of State diplomatic machinery to meet Africa's challenge. The United States was fortunate, however, to have had a group of Foreign Service officers with particular interest in Africa who foresaw many of the changes that Africa's emergence would bring. This foresight has helped the United States to de velop a high degree of diplomatic rapport with the nations of Africa, and rapport has been strengthened through the efforts of many individual American representatives. The basis on which rapport has been built is found in a set of objectives and beliefs shared by Africans and Americans alike. These objec tives and beliefs include a desire for freedom, independence, and human dignity and a common interest in improving con ditions of life.