Training mission in Tanzania
- Duration
- 18 August 1965 - 24 December 1965
- Military personnel
- 12
- Fatalities
- none
- Decorations
- none
The East African state of Tanganyika was granted independence in 1961. Under the leadership of President Julius Nyerere, Tanganyika united with the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba on 26 April 1964, thus forming the United Republic of Tanzania.
United Republic of Tanzania
Following its formation, the new United Republic of Tanzania received assistance from Canada, the People’s Republic of China and the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) for the development of its armed forces. The Canadians provided officers’ training for the Tanzanian army, while the Chinese trained the rank and file.
New vessels
West Germany gave 2 patrol vessels that had yet to be built to Tanzania and trained the Tanzanian crew of the Police Marine Unit. In return, Tanzania placed an order for a further 2 patrol vessels with West Germany. The crews of these vessels received their training in Israel. Pending delivery of the new vessels, West Germany made 4 vessels (former Kriegsfischkutter vessels, patrol vessels constructed to a fishing vessel design) available on loan.
Termination of West German assistance
On arrival in Tanzania, these vessels were to be made ready for maritime operations by a West German naval detachment while the Tanzanian crews received further training. In February 1965, however, West Germany broke off all diplomatic relations with Tanzania because Tanzania did not wish to relinquish its close ties with the German Democratic Republic (East Germany). West German military assistance therefore came to an end.
The Netherlands steps in
President Nyerere therefore asked whether the Netherlands was willing to take over from West Germany. On 23 April 1965 he discussed his request with Joseph Luns, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Theo Bot, the minister responsible for development assistance, and Piet de Jong, the Minister of Defence. The ministers agreed.