Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Near East Region; Iran; Iraq, Volume XII

237. Memorandum From the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern, South Asian, and African Affairs (Rountree) to the Secretary of State¹

Washington, May 10, 1957.

SUBJECT

• Richards Mission—Morocco, May 6–7²

Discussions

The Mission discussed the Doctrine with the Sultan, Foreign Minister Balafrej, and other Government officials. Throughout the discussions it was apparent that the base negotiations, which began while the Mission was there, were the primary and virtually sole consideration of the Government. It was also evident that the Moroccans intend to take no action which might weaken their bargaining position. The Sultan is well aware of the military importance of our installations and their relation to the military assurances of the Doctrine.

The discussions were most cordial and friendly but the Sultan was unwilling to take any public position further committing Morocco to cooperate with the United States pending the results of the base discussions. However, he asked Ambassador Richards to tell the President of his support for the principles and moral spirit of the Middle East proposals, his recognition of the threat of international communism, and his determination to wipe out communism in Morocco.

Brief economic discussions were held with second level officials, with the Moroccans displaying lack of enthusiasm to discuss possible projects. It became clear they had instructions from the highest level to avoid any discussion of economic aid in the context of the Mission.

The conclusion of the Mission was that the Moroccans feel they have a strong position from which to negotiate on base rights and we may anticipate a heavy asking price.

Commitments

No request was received for aid and no commitments were made even though in the talks with various officials the possibility of up to $5 million in aid was mentioned by the Mission. However, these discussions were not serious.

Communiqué

A joint communiqué was issued on May 7 stating that Ambassador Richards was welcomed with great regard, and presenting a detailed exposé of the President’s Middle East proposals. It further stated that this explanation was given the greatest attention in a spirit of mutual understanding, and that the position of Morocco remains as it was at the time of the visit of Vice President Nixon, There was no specific endorsement of the Middle East Doctrine.

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 120.1580/5–1057. Secret. Drafted by Lathram. Also addressed to the Under Secretary of State.
2. Regarding the Richards Mission visit to Morocco, see vol. XVIII, pp. 574–577. For text of the joint communiqué issued on May 8 in Rabat, see Department of State Bulletin, May 27, 1957, p. 845.