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Africa and the Middle East, 1950-1970

 Series 3

This series, divided into two subseries, contains correspondence, reports, minutes, legislative bills and hearings, speeches, clippings, proceedings, pamphlets and other printed material, graphics, and photographs. The series spans 1950-1970 while the bulk of the material dates 1953-1970.

The records document efforts of U.S., African, and Middle Eastern labor leaders to build a free trade union movement in the region during the Post-World War II and Cold War years. They are particularly valuable in illuminating relations among trade union and government officials. Subjects include: international educational and cultural conferences regarding Africa; visits to the U.S. by leaders of the African free trade union movement; refugee and hunger relief policy towards Africa; the influence of colonial domination regarding the development of free trade unionism and the establishment of a free trade movement with self-rule governments; efforts to prevent the spread of communism and socialism in Africa; the development and efforts of pan-African organizations and other international labor organizations; the proceedings and efforts of all-African congresses to promote free trade unionism; free trade unionism in Middle Eastern countries; relations between Israel and its neighboring countries; the creation of the Israeli state; U.S. government policy towards the national security of Israel; and general political relations between the U.S. and countries in Africa and the Middle East.

Major correspondents include: Irving Brown {Dir. AfricanAmerican Labor Center), Harry Goldberg, Ernest Lee, Henry Kirsch, Jay Lovestone, George Meany, Michael Ross, William Schnitzler, Maida Springer {Maida Kemp, Maida Springer-Kemp), Alhaji Adebola {President, United Labour Congress of Nigeria), Joseph Rene Amouhou {Secretary General of CASL-FO), J. Avrech {American Representative of Histadrut), Aharon Becker {General Secretary, Histadrut), Omer Becu {General Secretary ICFTU), Francisco Manuel Bento {Sec. Gen. of the Ligue Generale Des Travailleurs de L'Angola), Mr. Bentum {Secretary General, Ghana Trades Union Congress, 1965) Cynthia A. Courtney and John A. Davis {American Society of African Culture), M.E. Jallow {Secretary General, Gambia Workers' Union), Pedro Barreiro Lulendo {Secretary General of Ligue Generale Des Travailleurs de L'Angola), Tom Mboya {General Secretary of the Kenya Federation of Labor, Minister of Labour - 1961-1962, Minister for Economic Planning & Development - 1966-1970, Kenya), Y. Meshel {Histadrut), Gariel Mmusi {Secretary General Botswana Trade Unions), Arthur A. Ochwada {General Secretary, Trade Union Congress of Kenya), J.K. Tettagah (General Secretary, Ghana Trade Union Congress, 1957- 1961), Ahmed Tlili {President, Africa Trade Union Conference), and Arnold Zack {University College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia).

Dates

  • 1950-1970

Language of Materials

Most of the material is in English although papers written in other languages, primarily French, appear.

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to the public and must be used in the Special Collections reading room. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection.

Extent

9.38 Linear Feet

Arrangement

The materials are organized into two sub-series. Files are arranged alphabetically by country and then chronologically.

Sub-series 1
Country Files
Sub-series 2
General Files

Separated Materials

Photographs and graphic materials have been removed to the Photographic Collection and oversized storage with an outsheet indicating their original location.

Library Details

Part of the Special Collections and University Archives

Contact:
University of Maryland Libraries
Hornbake Library
4130 Campus Drive
College Park Maryland 20742
301-405-9212