Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Africa, Volume XVIII

211. Telegram From the Embassy in France to the Department of State¹

Paris, April 27, 1957—1 p.m.

5522. Below is text aide-memoiré² given Faure based on Deptel 4219.³ Only additional points used drawn from Deptel 4092⁴ on which we had already informed French:

US has given most careful study to and has taken under full consideration views set forth French Government’s memorandum of April 12, 1957⁵ concerning negotiations with GOM on US military operations in Morocco. In reply, US Government wishes reaffirm that it is its intention in forthcoming negotiations with GOM to discuss matters and to deal with problems other than those which can be settled only between France and Morocco. Our primary objective will be to reach arrangements mutually agreeable to Governments of Morocco and US on status of US military operations in Morocco. Within this context, we hope it will be possible to discuss with GOM such questions as status our forces, jurisdiction of local courts and officials, taxes, and customs. We cannot at this time be certain as to exact scope of negotiations, since much depends on what Moroccan Government will propose. In any case, the US has no intention whatsoever of assuming French defense responsibilities in Morocco or of prejudicing rights and interests of France in any way.

As French Government is aware, US Government considers Franco-American agreements of 1950 and 1951 to be valid. However it would seem likely that some modification of arrangements provided for under these agreements and other related technical agreements may be required at Moroccan request in recognition of Morocco’s newly-acquired independence. Where such modifications appear necessary US Government will consult with French Government. In any event, US Government will keep French Government fully informed as negotiations progress.

Houghton

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 711.56371/4–2757. Secret. Repeated to Rabat.
2. The aide-mémoire was delivered on April 26.
3. Telegram 4219, April 19, also advised against giving any commitments to the French which might cause later misunderstanding if the United States were unable to carry them out. (Department of State, Central Files, 711.56371/4–1657)
4. Telegram 4092, April 11, authorized the Embassy, at its discretion, to assure the French that they would be kept informed. (Ibid., 711.56371/4–957)
5. Telegram 5726, April 12, conveyed an unofficial translation of the memorandum. It acceded to U.S. desire to start negotiations with Morocco. France insisted, however, on a prior understanding with the United States as to the scope and objectives of the negotiations. It also wanted assurances that the United States would not pledge military aid or reduce French military freedom. No agreement was to be reached which nullified French rights, vested by existing accords, without French permission. (Ibid., 711.56371/4–1257)