Office of the Historian

280. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom0

Washington, November 8, 1962, 4:02 p.m.

2505. London’s 17931 (not repeated to other posts) and Deptel 216 to Addis.2 Dept plans inform UK and Italian representatives Washington that, as result discussions in Addis and with General Merid in Washington, US has agreed accelerate shipment limited number tanks and personnel carriers to Ethiopia in context basic US commitment to strengthen Ethiopian armed forces and in light cooperative Ethiopian attitude with respect Korea and Congo. US has not agreed provide additional jet fighters beyond replacement for two F-86s lost in accidents. US has agreed provide additional propeller-driven training aircraft and 5 additional jet trainers.

U.S. continues be guided in assessing Ethiopian requests by its desire, within context US commitments and interests in Ethiopia, avoid increasing tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia and stimulating arms race Horn of Africa.

Deptel 124 to Mogadiscio requesting latest information status UK and Italian arms aid Somalia is indication continuing US interest in assuring Somalia on its part can meet its defense needs from friendly sources. Dept aware this subject likely be discussed during Abdirascid visit November 27.

London and Rome may similarly inform foreign offices.

Rusk
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 775.5/11-762. Secret. Drafted by Newsom; cleared by Junkermann (OSD/ISA) in substance, Stout, and Bergesen; and approved by Tasca. Also sent to Rome and repeated to Addis Ababa.↩
  2. Dated November 7. (Ibid.)↩
  3. Dated November 5. (Ibid., 775.5/11-562)↩