Foreign Relations of the United States, 1961–1963, Volume XXI, Africa

72. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Algeria⁰

Washington, October 23, 1962, 6:03 p.m.

659. Following based uncleared memcons:¹ Summary foreign policy discussions during Ben Bella visit Washington.²

President asked Ben Bella explain Algerian non-alignment policy. Prime Minister said Algeria did not believe grouping of non-aligned states useful as it would become only another bloc. Algeria deeply committed certain principles however. It against imperialism, colonialism, racial discrimination, nuclear tests, armaments races and spheres of influence. Algerians attributed own suffering during war to attitudes represented by such actions and policies.

President said there seemed be impression in Algeria that world divided into two blocs and that one led by US favored nuclear tests, colonialism, and imperialism. Since PM was going to Cuba,³ it would be useful talk about US policy. US had pursued neutralist and isolationist policy which geography permitted for greater part our history. Since 1945, against their nature, American people compelled become actively interested world affairs in response threat international communism. US wanted world of independent nations each with govt corresponding needs its own people. Communists wanted uniformity tied together and directed by Moscow and Peking. This was danger which forced US assume burden of world defense.

Re US policy in Western Hemisphere, President cited examples of Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Colombia. All were under liberal leadership and had fought for freedom and progress against regressive factions as well as against communists. All were under attack by Castro regime. If these free liberal govts failed, cause of independence and sovereignty of nations might be defeated in Latin America. US could not accept this. Fact that limited minority in Cuba striving bring it about explains US policy towards Cuba. Problems of illiteracy, poverty, and disease as serious in LA as problems of Algeria. Solution must be found within independence.

As further evidence US opposition to colonialism Pres cited US dispute with Portugal over self-determination for Angola, and US stand for Congo unity, despite difficulties this entailed with friends in Europe. World struggle not between two great power blocs but between those who wish stable world of independent nations and those seeking establish universal empire.

Pres explained that many in US supported Castro at outset because they believed he led national revolution. US Govt cut out military aid to Batista. But Castro betrayed Cuban revolution. Cuban people never had chance express their will but were delivered to communists and appended to Soviet bloc.

Ben Bella said experience of Algeria had to be that of radical and general revolution. International communism, however, was not valid for Algeria. Algerians wanted prevent possible danger of communist takeover. Algeria’s ideology and religion contrary to it. It against Marxism and communism but for reduction of international tensions. In going to Cuba, BB said he not wish poison already grave situation, but hoped through positive approach help relax tension. BB said he did not differ with Pres on substance of problems but had some reservations re choice of policy or lines of conduct. He thought there must be adequate measures other than attempting destroy Cuban regime.

Pres replied Cuba had become world problem only since July when Soviets started shipping in arms. Eighty five shiploads of arms delivered since then, and missile bases established. US had no intention of invading Cuba. If it wanted, would have done so years ago. Our concern was over military reinforcements which Soviets have accumulated in Cuba for purpose of harassment.

Ben Bella compared Egyptian experience. Egyptian move to accept Czech arms had been serious mistake. However he felt Nasser forced little by little into intolerable situation in part by unwise moves of US Administration then in power. Now Cuban Govt had taken measures which bad, but it best avoid nailing Castro to communist camp by failing give him any other choice.

Pres said Dorticos had not extended very green olive branch in UN. PM agreed but said fact that Dorticos asking for official promise of non-invasion might indicate area for negotiation. BB said he now understood US position very well and was happy to not [note] no hostile intention.

Pres said if US did not favor invasion of Cuba, it not because of Soviet military build-up. Real reason was we did not want another Budapest. Sole danger was introduction of Soviet missiles. If those missiles included at any time types capable of striking at US territory, situation would change to such extent that US would be forced reconsider its position. The stronger the military build-up, the more the danger. Cuba’s best protection was its own people’s support. US does not want war against small country.

In talks with Secretary Ben Bella said Algeria had paid high price for entry on international scene and was determined to be constructive. It might make mistakes because it was young and many issues new to it. Because of their practice in international affairs, US and Algeria could face their future relationship with confidence. They might not always agree entirely but could esteem one another.

Rusk

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 033.51S11/10-2362. Confidential. Drafted by Hooper on October 22, cleared by Little and Bromley Smith, and approved by Tasca. Repeated to Paris.
1. Four separate memoranda of this conversation are ibid., 033.51S11/10-1562, 637.51S/10-1562, 751S.00/10-1562, and S/S Files: Lot 66 D 149, Presidential Memoranda of Conversation.
2. The President met with Ben Bella for discussion and lunch at the White House on October 15.
3. Ben Bella visited Cuba on October 18.