In February 1986, the Reagan administration informed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that, though it remained committed to a diplomatic solution of the ongoing Angolan Civil War, it planned to prevent a MPLA military victory by providing covert military aid to UNITA, beginning with $15 million in military assistance, primarily accounted for by Stinger anti-aircraft missiles. The announcement followed a meeting at the White House the previous month between Reagan and UNITA leader Jonas Savimbi; and it was enabled by the repeal of the Clark Amendment in 1985.
In February 1986, the Reagan administration informed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that while it maintained a diplomatic approach to resolving the Angolan Civil War, it planned to prevent a MPLA victory through covert military aid to UNITA. This assistance began with $15 million in support, primarily comprising Stinger anti-aircraft missiles. The announcement followed a meeting between Reagan and Jonas Savimbi at the White House earlier that month; and it was made possible by the repeal of the Clark Amendment in 1985.