Armando da Conceição Morais de Oliveira

Biography

Armando Morais was born in Vila Franca de Xira in 1945. His uncle had been imprisoned in the Vila Franca de Xira bullring and imprisoned in Caxias following the 1942 strikes. At 13, Armando interrupted his studies to work in metalworking companies and, at 16, joined the General Aeronautical Material Workshops (OGMA). In Vila Franca, he participated in cultural and sports activities in local communities, many of which were prohibited by the Civil Government of Lisbon, and attended the “Casa do 34” (House of 34) in the neighborhood of the Children’s Social Assistance Center (CASI).
He joined the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) in 1963, joined the Baixo Ribatejo regional organization, and created the party’s chapter in the OGMA. Later, he became head of an organization in Alcanena. Within the OGMA, he organized cultural activities and established small libraries in some sections.
He participated in the 1969 election campaign and served as a polling station supervisor in Castanheira do Ribatejo. He also participated in several demonstrations and actions against the colonial war and was attacked by the GNR (National Republican Guard) during the May Day demonstration in 1970.
In September 1970, at the age of 24, he went underground. He became responsible for the eastern part of Lisbon and for companies such as TAP, UTIC, Plessey, Carris, and for office employees and medical propaganda representatives. He also had responsibilities with youth during the formation of the Working Youth Movement (MJT). While underground, he moved in with Mariana Rafael, whom he married and had two children with. For security reasons, they were forced to move several times. He was a member of the Union of Portuguese Anti-Fascist Resistance (URAP) and the PCP.

Date of Collection: 25.04.2017

Keywords: Comunist Party, 1969 elections, collectives / companies, clandestine, family, 25 April.

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