ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the role of the Portuguese political police, Polícia de Informaçãoe Defesa do Estado (PIDE) in repressing Angolan nationalism between 1957 and 1961. It analyses the 'racial strategy' that PIDE used to weaken Angolan nationalist organisations that were initially characterised by their multi-racial composition. The chapter establishes the colonial context it progresses to focus on the origins and key features of PIDE. It explains the features of the repressive action undertaken by PIDE in Angola. However, it is important to first outline the origins and key features of PIDE. PIDE's Delegation in Angola was formally created by the Portuguese government in 1954, but only became operative in 1957. PIDE established its headquarters in Luanda, the colony's capital, where it opened two police stations, one at the airport and the other at the harbour. PIDE managed to transport the racial tensions that existed within Angolan colonial society into its nascent nationalist movements.
